Stats

Lifespan: 1-2 yrs
Size: Medium
Diet: Insectivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Freshwater wetland
Range: Holarctic
Movement: Flight
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Speed
Status: Common

About

The four-spotted skimmer is one of the most widespread dragonflies in the Northern Hemisphere, named for the four dark spots — one at the midpoint of each wing. It occasionally forms mass migrations: swarms of millions have been recorded sweeping across Europe.

Life cycle

1.
egg
A small egg is laid on or near the larval food source and hatches within days or weeks.
2.
juvenile
An immature insect feeds and molts, growing through successive instars.
3.
subadult
A near-adult insect has wing buds or near-mature form, one molt away from full size.
4.
adult
Fully grown, with full wings and adult coloration.

Learn more

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Libellula
Species: Libellula quadrimaculata