General: Widow Skimmer Dragonflies (Libellula luctuosa) are active daytime fliers often seen around ponds and slow waters around Las Vegas. Males are recognized by their blue body color and black on the inner half of the wings. The outer half has a large white spot. In females the body is brown with yellow striped, the dark wing patches are brown, and the ends of the wings are clear.

These active creatures are harmless to humans, but they are voracious predators of small flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes. The larvae, however, can provide a bit of a bite. There are some good places for Watching Dragonflies Around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera, Family Libellulidae.