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Dragonfly (Twelve-spot Skimmer)

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Libellula pulchella
Dragonfly (Twelve-spot Skimmer)

Range

They are found through most of the U.S.

Habitat

They live near wet areas, along streams, ponds and marshes.

Body Traits

They have large wings and are strong fliers. The buzzing sound of their flight can be heard as they go by. They have a brown head and thorax with whitish-blue abdomen. There are 3 dark spots on each wing. The males have white spots between the dark spots. They are 1 - 1.5 inches long.

Habits

When they rest on plants or rocks, they sit with their wings spread.

Diet

They eat flying insects including mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, mayflies, and even other dragonflies!

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females lay their eggs on plants stems near the water line.

Dragonfly (Twelve-spot Skimmer)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class:     Insecta
Order:     Odonata
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
Genus:     Libellula
Species: L. pulchella

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