NC Odonate Website

Related Species in LIBELLULIDAE:		Number of records for 2022 = 3
Added in 2022 from a previous year = 4 (2021-06-18) (2021-09-17) (2021-09-19) (2021-10-31)

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Roseate Skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea) by Mark Shields

Compare with: Distinctive
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Note: these identification tips apply specifically to mature males; features may differ in immature males and in females.

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Map

Click on county for list of all its records for Roseate Skimmer

Flight Charts

Distribution

A northbound stray or migrant in most areas of the state, but almost certainly now a resident in the extreme southeastern counties, north to Carteret County. Widely scattered over the Coastal Plain and now the Piedmont, and with two recent sightings from Henderson County in the mountains. Greatly expanding its range northward; thus, the county map will likely become out-of-date very quickly. Primarily found along the southern coast, north somewhat regularly to Carteret County, but one must assume it is not a resident (yet) away from coastal counties, based on its very spotty range inland, and numerous "one-time-only" records.

Abundance

Increasing in recent years; probably rare 10 or 20 years ago. Now, it is generally uncommon in coastal counties northward to Carteret County, but it can be locally fairly common at a few sites north into Onslow County. Very rare visitor or stray farther inland and northward. Our peak single-day count is just nine individuals, though this number should be surpassed in the next few years.

Flight

Mid-June to late November, with one mid-December record; mostly from late August to mid-November. These dates suggest a fall migrant species, moving north after breeding farther to our south. However, there are likely a few sites along and near the coast where it is a resident.

Habitat

Generally at ponds, marshes, and lakes. Despite it being seen mainly near the coast, most breeding waters are probably fresh, though it does use brackish waters.

Behavior

Males are very conspicuous as they perch on twigs at their pools or ponds; they are quite active and do much chasing and patrolling. Adults will often feed well away from pools, as do most other skimmers.

Comments

The deep rose-pink color of the male's abdomen is not often seen in the animal kingdom, even in birds or butterflies, and is more reminiscent of the rosy color of the petals of many wildflowers! This species is currently undergoing a rapid northward expansion in the range and in numbers. It is not hard to find at various places around Wilmington, such as near gardens and other suburban places. But questions remain, especially regarding residency status in NC away from the southern coast. It was dropped as a Watch List species by the N.C. Natural Heritage Program in fall 2010.

State Rank

S3S4

State Status

Global Rank

Federal Status

Synonym

Other Name

Species account update: LeGrand on 2021-12-31 14:04:00

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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Photo Gallery for Roseate Skimmer 20 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: Paul Hart Comment: Harnett; C, 2022-08-01, Lillington - Female		Photo 2 by: Paul Hart Comment: Harnett; C, 2022-08-01, Lillington - Female
	Photo 3 by: Mark Shields Comment: New Hanover, 2021-12-03, Carolina Beach State Park, limesink ponds		Photo 4 by: Kevin Metcalf Comment: Mecklenburg, 2021-09-17, - retention pond in Steele Creek area
	Photo 5 by: Ken Kneidel Comment: Mecklenburg, 2019-08-20, pond margin, Chantilly Park, Charlotte		Photo 6 by: Mike Turner Comment: Yadkin, 2019-06-23, Yadkin River @ NC 67; Donnaha paddle access - female
	Photo 7 by: Mark Shields Comment: New Hanover, 2017-11-18, Carolina Beach State Park (CABE), limesink ponds - 2 males, 1 female		Photo 8 by: j.wyche Comment: Gates, 2017-10-15, Merchants Millpond State Park - in front of visitor center; female. ID confirmed on BugGuide
	Photo 9 by: Robby Deans Comment: Craven, 2017-10-14, New Bern. Near Jct. US 17/70 and M.L.K. Jr. Blvd.. Originally posted on iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/8404613 - Male.		Photo 10 by: Mark Shields Comment: Onslow, 2017-09-10, my property, Holly Ridge - female
	Photo 11 by: Conrad Wernett Comment: Onslow, 2017-08-19, - 4 males, 1 female - Jacksonville retention pond		Photo 12 by: Mark Shields Comment: Onslow, 2017-07-13, male at retention pond, Coastal Carolina Community College, Jacksonville
	Photo 13 by: Mark Shields Comment: Pender, 2015-09-01, Holly Shelter Game Land		Photo 14 by: Mike Turner Comment: Wake, 2014-09-26, Yates Mill County Park - female/immature male
	Photo 15 by: Mike Turner Comment: Cumberland, 2013-09-05, Rhodes Pond - males		Photo 16 by: Matthew Daw Comment: Durham, 2009-08-18 - Falls Lake north of I-85
	Photo 17 by: Ted Wilcox Comment: Brunswick, 2007-08-25, Sea Trail Golf Course		Photo 18 by: Jeff Pippen Comment: New Hanover, 2006-08-26, also seen by H. LeGrand
	Photo 19 by: Kathleen Sweaney Comment: Mecklenburg, 2003-08-28, McDowell Nature Preserve		Photo 20 by: Randy Newman Comment: Carteret, 2003-08-16, Fort Macon State Park - female on soundside service road.