General: Flame Skimmer Dragonflies (Libellula saturata) are active daytime fliers occasionally seen around ponds and slow waters around Las Vegas. Males are recognized by their overall orange color and red head. On the wings, the orange covers the inner half of the wing plus an additional orange line extending out the leading edge of the wing. Females are less colorful, but still have orange on the leading edge of the wing.

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.