Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella)

Elk Grove, IL
2012-05-30

The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a striking dragonfly known for its distinctive wing pattern. It has twelve black spots on its wings -- three on each wing.

Elk Grove, IL
2012-05-30

These spots are complemented by white spots on the wings of mature males, creating a striking contrast.

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-26

The female Twelve-Spotted Skimmer, unlike the males, does not have the characteristic white spots on its wings.

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-26

The Twelve-Spotted Skimmer was named by a British entomologist Dru Drury (1775 - 1804).

The plate in his Illustrations of Exotic Entomology, published in 1837, shows a female Twelve-Spotted Skimmer (fig. 5).