About Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
A showy dragonfly with three dark spots on each wing, totaling twelve. Mature males develop additional white spots between the dark ones.
Did You Know?
Despite the name twelve-spotted, mature males actually have 24 wing markings when the white pruinose spots are included.
How to Identify Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) belongs to the order Odonata, family Libellulidae. Adults typically measure 65-75 mm wingspan.
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer Habitat
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer Diet and Feeding
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Twelve-Spotted Skimmer Found?
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer can be found in North America, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Twelve-Spotted Skimmer can be found
Is Twelve-Spotted Skimmer Dangerous?
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer Role in Nature
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
What does Twelve-Spotted Skimmer look like?
The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer typically measures 65-75 mm wingspan.
Where is Twelve-Spotted Skimmer found?
The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is found in North America and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Twelve-Spotted Skimmer eat?
The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Twelve-Spotted Skimmer dangerous to humans?
The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Twelve-Spotted Skimmer?
Despite the name twelve-spotted, mature males actually have 24 wing markings when the white pruinose spots are included.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/twelve-spotted-skimmer
MLA:
"Twelve-Spotted Skimmer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/twelve-spotted-skimmer.