Common Skimmers

Family Libellulidae

White-tailed skimmer (Plathemis lydia). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Common skimmers are found near ponds and swamps, and many species are very abundant. Their flight is usually erratic, they seldom fly very far in a straight line and they often hover in one spot. These are relatively small, compact dragonflies. Many species have spots or bands on the wings, or red spots on the body.