Painted Skimmer
Libellula semifasciata
This record describes Libellula semifasciata (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Resembles a Halloween Pennant with very faint pattern, but this is distinctive, once seen. A subtly beautiful skimmer.
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
Marshy ponds near woodlands, most common in coastal plain
Geographic Range
Eastern United States
Seasonal Activity
April-October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on other insects
Life History
Somewhat migratory. Appears briefly in some areas in spring and is then gone.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Libellula semifasciata. 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 Painted Skimmer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Painted Skimmer
What is Painted Skimmer?
Painted Skimmer (Libellula semifasciata) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Painted Skimmer?
Length 4.3 cm
How do you identify Painted Skimmer?
Resembles a Halloween Pennant with very faint pattern, but this is distinctive, once seen.
Where is Painted Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Marshy ponds near woodlands, most common in coastal plain |
| Range | Eastern United States |
What does Painted Skimmer eat?
The diet of the Painted Skimmer includes Predatory on other insects.
When is Painted Skimmer active?
Painted Skimmer: seasonal activity - April-October.
What is the life cycle of a Painted Skimmer?
Somewhat migratory. Appears briefly in some areas in spring and is then gone.