New Jersey Endangered and Threatened Species Field Guide
Zoom+ An adult male golden-winged skimmer. © Allen BarlowGolden-winged skimmer
Libellula auripennis
Species Group: Invertebrate
Conservation Status
State: Special Concern
IDENTIFICATION
Ranging from 2.0”-2.1” in length, this species is a beautiful orange and red skimmer. Mature males’ face, front of thorax, wing veins and abdomen are orange with red stigmas. Noticeable on juveniles of both sexes are pale lateral stripes. The lower hind legs are black.
Zoom+ Range of the golden-winged skimmer in New Jersey.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
The golden-winged skimmer can be found at inland ponds and pits with sandy bottoms. It has been found at only a few locations in the southern portion of New Jersey in the coastal plain.
DIET
The adults prey on all types of flying insects including small dragonflies and butterflies.
LIFE CYCLE
While the golden-winged skimmer can be most often seen during July and August, adults are active from mid May to early October.
CURRENT STATUS, THREATS, AND CONSERVATION
The golden-winged skimmer is considered a species of Special Concern in New Jersey due to its limited known population.
Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow, David M. Golden and Jim Bangma. Edited and updated by Larissa Smith in 2011.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Libellula
Species: L. auripennis
Find Related Info: Invertebrates, Special concern
Wildlife Photographers
Join our Endangered Wildlife of New Jersey group on
