General: Bleached Skimmer Dragonflies (Libellula composita) are active daytime fliers occasionally seen at alkaline springs around Las Vegas. Males are recognized by their overall blue color and white face, with amber at the base of the wings and an amber spot on the leading edge of the wings. The stigma is black and quite noticeable. In females, the wings are similar to those of males, but the body color is pale with yellow stripes.

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.