Roseate Skimmer

Description:

Beautiful red dragonfly.

Habitat:

Shot at a pond in Pensacola.

Notes:

The Roseate Skimmer is a member of the family Libellulidae. Dragonflies in this large family have brightly colored bodies, 3/4-2 1/2" (18-64 mm) long, that are shorter than the wingspan, which is usually 1-4" (25-102 mm). The wings often have bands or spots. In some species males and females are different colors. Often the male does not attain full color until a few days after emergence. The short, squat naiads, to 1 1/4" (33 mm) long, inhabit shallower, warmer waters than naiads of other families and tend to be more active, maturing more rapidly