This large-winged dragonfly is about 1 3/4 – 2 inches or 45 to 50 mm in length. The eyes are reddish brown. The face, thorax and abdomen are a tan color. The abdomen has black bands and black spots at the segments. The wings are clear with a tan stigma. The hindwings are long, wide and have a dark, round spot at the base. This species is very similar in appearance to the Wandering Glider (P. flavescens), but the abdomen is darker and more mottled. The Wandering Glider lacks the dark spot in the wings which is difficult to see in flight.
The Spot-winged and Wandering Glilders show up in our area shortly after summer rains. They breed in temporary puddles and pools and newly filled, shallow wetlands without fish. The Gliders are strong fliers and are usually not seen perching. They can be seen feeding in swarms with other gliders.
Also known as Rainpool Gliders, they can fly for days and wander widely. The Rainpool Gliders have very broad wings and the ability to store fat for their long flights. The females lay eggs by tapping their abdomens on the water surface while flying or hovering. The female usually oviposits alone, but may be guarded by the male. Because the larvae of this species use temporary pools, they can develop in less time than larvae of other skimmer species.
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