Discover the Fascinating Flameskimmer Dragonfly!
Have you been seeing dragonflies? We have! Let's dive into the world of one of the most captivating insects you can spot in your garden—the flameskimmer dragonfly.
Meet the Flameskimmer
These vibrant red dragonflies are hard to miss. With their fiery hue and impressive wingspan, flameskimmers (scientific name: Libellula saturata) are not just beautiful but also beneficial to your garden.
Nature's Little Helpers
Flameskimmers are fantastic natural pest controllers. They feed on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects, keeping your garden free from pesky bugs.
Habitat and Behavior
You'll often find flameskimmers near ponds, streams, and other water sources. They prefer sunny spots where they can bask and patrol their territory. Watching them dart around with their graceful yet swift movements is a real treat.
Attracting Flameskimmers to Your Garden
Want to invite these dazzling dragonflies into your space? Here are a few tips:
Provide Water: A small pond or water feature can be a magnet for flameskimmers.
Plant Variety: Incorporate a mix of plants around your water feature to offer perching spots.
Avoid Pesticides: These chemicals can harm dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
Fun Facts
Did you know that flameskimmers can hover in place like a helicopter? Their incredible flight skills make them not only efficient hunters but also mesmerizing to watch.
Did you know that there are 73 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) in California?
We've been waiting for an updated field guide book on our state's dragonflies, and now it's here.
Dragonfly experts Kathy Biggs and Sandra von Arb have just announced their newly published book, Dragonflies (Anisoptera) of California,published by Nature/Field Guides. It's a 200-page, spiral-bound book, rich with images, and featuring ALL of the 73 known species of dragonflies in California (many of these dragonflies also inhabit nearby states).
So next time you're in the garden, keep an eye out for these stunning red flyers. They bring a touch of magic and a lot of benefits to your green space.