Gray-waisted Skimmer
Cannaphila insularis
This record describes Cannaphila insularis (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Hindwings very narrow at their bases. Female usually has a wide flange on abdominal segment 8. May resemble the much more abundant Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis), but abdominal stripes (female and immature) are continuous rather than dashed, pruinescence (male) only appears on anterior half of abdomen, and both sexes often have dark wing tips. Also somewhat distinct in posture and habitat requirements.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Cannaphila (Narrow-winged Skimmers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Streams, lakes, and marshy ponds
Geographic Range
South Texas through Mexico to Panama
Seasonal Activity
summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults eat flying insects, larvae aquatic invertebrates
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Males only turn pruinescent blue-gray on the anterior half of the abdomen
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Cannaphila insularis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Gray-waisted Skimmer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray-waisted Skimmer
What is Gray-waisted Skimmer?
Gray-waisted Skimmer (Cannaphila insularis) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Gray-waisted Skimmer?
Hindwings very narrow at their bases. Female usually has a wide flange on abdominal segment 8. May resemble the much more abundant Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis), but abdominal stripes (female and immature) are continuous rather than dashed, pruinescence (male) only appears on anterior half of abdomen, and both sexes often have dark wing tips. Also somewhat distinct in posture and habitat requirements.
Where is Gray-waisted Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Streams, lakes, and marshy ponds |
| Range | South Texas through Mexico to Panama |
What does Gray-waisted Skimmer eat?
The diet of the Gray-waisted Skimmer includes Adults eat flying insects, larvae aquatic invertebrates.
When is Gray-waisted Skimmer active?
Gray-waisted Skimmer: seasonal activity - summer.