Carmine Skimmer
Orthemis discolor
This record describes Orthemis discolor (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Brilliant pink, sometimes purplish, sometimes more red, with bright red eyes and face. Face and eyes typically as brightly colored or brighter than the body; compare to Roseate Skimmer, in which the eyes and face are usually darker than the body. Found primarily around small wetlands with abundant shade; the similar and closely related O. ferruginea rarely overlaps and is found in mainly sunny areas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Orthemis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers still water with abundant shade, including temporary pools
Geographic Range
Central Texas, west into Arizona, south through Central America
Seasonal Activity
Summer and fall in TX; has been photographed as early as mid-April and as late as mid-November in the LRGV. Year-round in tropics.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Orthemis discolor. 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 Carmine Skimmer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Carmine Skimmer
What is Carmine Skimmer?
Carmine Skimmer (Orthemis discolor) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Carmine Skimmer?
Brilliant pink, sometimes purplish, sometimes more red, with bright red eyes and face. Face and eyes typically as brightly colored or brighter than the body; compare to Roseate Skimmer, in which the eyes and face are usually darker than the body.
Where is Carmine Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Prefers still water with abundant shade, including temporary pools |
| Range | Central Texas, west into Arizona, south through Central America |
When is Carmine Skimmer active?
Carmine Skimmer: seasonal activity - Summer and fall in TX; has been photographed as early as mid-April and as late as mid-November in the LRGV. Year-round in tropics..