Golden-winged Skimmer(Libellula auripennis)

These dragons can be fairly common and are statewide in distribution in NC. Note, however, that they can be very difficult to distinguish from Needham's Skimmer, although Needham's Skimmer tends to be restricted to the tidewater region of the coastal plain.

11 photographs

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis)Jones Co., NC19 July 2008Males become rich red-orange colored.

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis) Jones Co., NC 19 July 2008 Female. Note many females develop dusky wingtips. — Golden-winged Skimmer *(Libellula auripennis)*Jones Co., NC19 July 2008Female. Note many females develop dusky wingtips.

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis) Jones Co., NC 19 July 2008 The most diagnostic feature distinguishing Golden-winged Skimmer from Needham's Skimmer is the pattern of the color change on the side of the thorax. In Golden-winged, as shown here, the color change follows the humeral suture. In Needham's Skimmer , the pale color juts forward toward the head over the lower portion of the suture line — Golden-winged Skimmer *(Libellula auripennis)*Jones Co., NC19 July 2008The most diagnostic feature distinguishing Golden-winged Skimmer from Needham's Skimmer is the pattern of the color change on the side of the thorax. In Golden-winged, as shown here, the color change follows the humeral suture. In Needham's Skimmer, the pale color juts forward toward the head over the lower portion of the suture line

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis)Richmond Co., NC1 Oct 2006Note leading edge of wing is all golden (usually partly black in Needham's).

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis)Korstian Division, Duke Forest, Orange Co., NC10 July 2013

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis)Broadacres Lake, Richmond Co., NC28 Apr 2019

Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis)Holly Shelter GamelandsPender Co., NC24 Apr 2004

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Created on ... April 25, 2004 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com