General:Red Rock Skimmer Dragonflies (Paltothemis lineatipes) are active daytime fliers occasionally seen along rocky streams around Las Vegas (watch for them at Zion National Park). Males are recognized by their red body color, red face, red at the base of the wings, and black patterns on the abdomen. In females the color is yellow where males are red, except the wings may be 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.