Filigree Skimmer
Pseudoleon superbus
This record describes Pseudoleon superbus (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: eyes pale with dark longitudinal stripes; thorax initially tan with numerous darker brown stripes, becoming diffusely black with age; wings variably patterned with black, but always with wide dark band at nodus; males usually have more black in wings, often with hindwing becoming entirely black except for clear apical tip, and forewing black except for basal half; legs brown but darken with age; abdomen brown, marked with series of V marks outlined internally by thinner pale line on segments 3-7; young individuals have pale face that quickly becomes black with age [adapted from description at Odonata Central]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Pseudoleon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults fly from March to November
Geographic Range
southwestern United States and Mexico, south to Costa Rica
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Pseudoleon superbus. 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 Filigree Skimmer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Filigree Skimmer
What is Filigree Skimmer?
Filigree Skimmer (Pseudoleon superbus) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Filigree Skimmer?
adult body length 34-45 mm
How do you identify Filigree Skimmer?
Adult: eyes pale with dark longitudinal stripes; thorax initially tan with numerous darker brown stripes, becoming diffusely black with age; wings variably patterned with black, but always with wide dark band at nodus; males usually have more black in wings, often with hindwing becoming entirely black except for clear apical tip, and forewing black except for basal half; legs brown but darken with age; abdomen brown, marked with series of V marks outlined internally by thinner pale line on segments 3-7; young individuals have pale face that quickly becomes black with age [adapted from description at Odonata Central]
Where is Filigree Skimmer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults fly from March to November |
| Range | southwestern United States and Mexico, south to Costa Rica |