General: Pale-faced Clubskimmer Dragonflies (Brechmorhoga mendax) are active daytime fliers occasionally seen over streams and slow waters around Las Vegas. Adult males are recognized by their overall black-and-white color and clear wings. On closer inspection, the thorax is blue-gray with dark diagonal stripes, the eyes are reddish over blueish, and there are two distinct white spots near the tip of the abdomen. Females are similar. The abdomen is narrow with an expanded tip.

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.