tags: Neon Skimmer, Libellula croceipennis, dragonfly, Image of the Day
Battered male Neon Skimmer, Libellula croceipennis.
This dragonfly was apparently perched for the night when I photographed it at 6:30 p.m. in Houston along White Oak Bayou.
Image: Biosparite [larger]
This is a sexually dimorphic dragonfly species; males are bright red with amber wing color while females are paler with clear wings. Males appear to glow bright red in the sun, hence the name "neon"; females are gold-colored in the sun.
These colorful insects are found throughout the southwestern USA, including southern California, Arizona, Texas, and eastern New Mexico. They prefer slow-moving streams that are shaded, but males will defend ponds also. Males are typically found near water. They defend their territory vigorously early in the season, and spend more time perching later in the season. Preferred perching height for males is ranges from one to five feet above water on bushes or trees, although they also will perch near water. Females appear at water to lay eggs.