Common Skimmers

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Subphylum: Hexapoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Odonata

Family: Libellulidae

This is the largest family of dragonflies. It contains around 1,000 species. It is a very diverse family of dragonflies.

Most skimmers are small to medium-sized dragonflies. Some skimmers are very colorful, and some species have patterned wings. Most species of skimmers are perchers, except for the gliders and saddlebags. The abdomen of a skimmer can be thick or slender.

If you see a dragonfly, there is a good chance it is a member of this family! Pondhawks, meadowhawks, dashers, gliders, and saddlebags are all members of this family. Skimmers are found all over the world.