Elfin Skimmer
Nannothemis bella
This record describes Nannothemis bella (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Tiny. Male has pale blue body with white on face, clubbed abdomen. Female has banded pattern, likely Batesian mimic of wasp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Nannothemis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bogs and fens .
Geographic Range
Southern Canada, northern tier of United States--Wisconsin east to New England, south in Appalachians and to Georgia, Alabama.
Seasonal Activity
March-September in much of range, May-August in north (Canada).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Oviposits in tandem.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species (as Nannophya bella ) is Uhler , 1857. (Publication is Contributions to the Neuropterology of the United States. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 1857:87-88.) Species name bella is Latin for beautiful.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Nannothemis bella. 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 Elfin Skimmer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Elfin Skimmer
What is Elfin Skimmer?
Elfin Skimmer (Nannothemis bella) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Elfin Skimmer?
20 mm length
How do you identify Elfin Skimmer?
Tiny. Male has pale blue body with white on face, clubbed abdomen. Female has banded pattern, likely Batesian mimic of wasp.
Where is Elfin Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Bogs and fens . |
| Range | Southern Canada, northern tier of United States--Wisconsin east to New England, south in Appalachians and to Georgia, Alabama. |
When is Elfin Skimmer active?
Elfin Skimmer: seasonal activity - March-September in much of range, May-August in north (Canada)..
What is the life cycle of a Elfin Skimmer?
Oviposits in tandem.