Skimmers

Skimmers are the most common dragonflies at ponds and lakes. They are the most showy dragonflies and come in a variety of colors. There are some characteristic traits for this family, such as, pruinosity (powdery white appearance on the abdomen), large eyes that meet on top of the head and complete mating while in flight. Nearly all skimmers have a boot-shaped anal loop in the hindwing that helps support the base of the hindwing. Most of these dragonflies perch horizontally on the tips of plant stems from which they hunt flying insects. Many skimmers lay eggs in tandem. Larvae of most of the skimmers develop in still water, not flowing streams. Known life cycles are usually 1 year, but can be up to 3 years in the north. About 100 species occur in North America.

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