General: Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonflies (Libellula pulchella) are active daytime fliers seen over ponds and slow moving waters around Las Vegas. This species is recognized by the three dark spots on each clear wing (3 spots X 4 wings = Twelve-spotted Skimmer).

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.