Purple Skimmer
Libellula jesseana
This record describes Libellula jesseana (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males have a purplish body and orange wings. Some females are similar, others are virtually identical to Golden-winged Skimmers ( L. auripennis ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Libellula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandy-bottomed lakes with little vegetation.
Geographic Range
Florida
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Libellula jesseana. 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 Purple Skimmer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by jforbes
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Skimmer
What is Purple Skimmer?
Purple Skimmer (Libellula jesseana) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Purple Skimmer?
Males have a purplish body and orange wings. Some females are similar, others are virtually identical to Golden-winged Skimmers ( L. auripennis ).
Where is Purple Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy-bottomed lakes with little vegetation. |
| Range | Florida |