NC Odonate Website

Related Species in LIBELLULIDAE:

Number of records added in 2021 = 0

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Golden-winged Skimmer (Libellula auripennis) by Mark Shields

Compare with: Needham's Skimmer
Identification Tips: Move the cursor over the image, or tap the image if using a mobile device, to reveal ID Tips.
Note: these identification tips apply to both sexes as well as immature and mature individuals, although the thoracic pattern may be obscured in old individuals.

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Click on county for list of all its records for Golden-winged Skimmer

flight charts

distribution

Nearly statewide, though seemingly absent in the higher elevations in the mountains, and of spotty occurrence in the mountains and the western two-thirds of the Piedmont.

abundance

Common in the Coastal Plain; uncommon to fairly common along the eastern edge of the Piedmont, but mostly uncommon in the Piedmont. Rare in the lower mountains.

flight

The flight is from mid-May (and very late April in the Coastal Plain) to early October, sparingly into November, downstate. The mountain flight records are too few to suggest that the flight truly ends by mid-July; it ought to extend into September.

habitat

Ponds, lakes, marshes, ditches -- typically in open/sunny places.

See also Habitat Account for General Beaver Ponds and Semi-natural Impoundments

behavior

Males perch conspicuously on perches such as twigs around a pond or lake shore and make patrols over the water. They are quite wary at the water. Adults frequently forage in fields, powerline clearings, savannas, and other open or semi-open areas well away from water.

comments

Males are one of more beautiful dragonflies, with their scarlet-orange abdomen and wing veins. However, care must be taken to identify adult males, and especially females and immatures, from the closely related Needham's Skimmer, which is limited to brackish waters, though both species can occur in the same areas (up to a few miles from tidal water).

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[Overwinter:] [Date Spread:] [No Late Date:] [Split on Feb:] [Default:]

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Species account update: LeGrand1234

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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Photo Gallery for Golden-winged Skimmer 28 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: Ken Kneidel Comment: Mecklenburg, 2020-06-04, in my back yard, flying with 2 Common Whitetails, ground level birdbath only water nearby		Photo 2 by: Ken Kneidel Comment: Mecklenburg, 2020-06-04, in my back yard, flying with 2 Common Whitetails, ground level birdbath only water nearby
	Photo 3 by: Mike Turner Comment: Bladen, 2020-05-08, South River at Sloan's Bridge Boating Access Area		Photo 4 by: Mike Turner Comment: Craven, 2018-09-01, Croatan N.F., powerline ROW at intersection of Catfish Lake Rd. and Little Rd.
	Photo 5 by: Mark Shields Comment: Currituck, 2018-06-09, Currituck Community Park, near Maple - First record for county		Photo 6 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt. Comment: Rockingham, 2018-05-22, Pond at Dan River Campground. End of Webster road, east of Mayodan. - 2 males, 1 teneral female.
	Photo 7 by: Mark Shields Comment: Lenoir, 2017-08-01, Neuseway Nature Park, Kinston		Photo 8 by: R Emmitt Comment: Orange, 2017-07-16, Duke Forest near gate 23 - male
	Photo 9 by: F. Williams, S. Williams Comment: Gates, 2017-06-21, MEMI. Yellow vein at leading edge of wings indicative of female.		Photo 10 by: John Petranka Comment: Richmond; C, 2017-05-27, Gum Swamp Lake around the outfall, Sandhills Game Land. - Pair in wheel.
	Photo 11 by: Mark Shields, Hunter Phillips Comment: Scotland, 2017-05-15, 17 Frog Pond, Sandhills Game Land		Photo 12 by: Mark Shields Comment: New Hanover, 2017-05-02, limesink ponds at Carolina Beach State Park (CABE)
	Photo 13 by: Mark Shields Comment: Onslow, 2016-05-14, Stones Creek Game Land		Photo 14 by: Mark Shields Comment: Pender, 2015-09-01, Holly Shelter Game Land
	Photo 15 by: Mark Shields Comment: Columbus, 2015-08-01, Lake Waccamaw State Park		Photo 16 by: Mark Shields Comment: Brunswick, 2015-08-01, Boiling Spring Lakes - 1 at Spring Lake Park, 3 at North Lake Park
	Photo 17 by: Mark Shields Comment: Bladen, 2015-07-18, Suggs Millpond (aka Horseshoe Lake)		Photo 18 by: Mark Shields Comment: Carteret, 2015-07-01, Patsy Pond Nature Trail, Croatan National Forest
	Photo 19 by: Kristy Baker Comment: Tyrrell, 2015-06-06, Scuppermong Interpretive Boardwalk		Photo 20 by: Tim Deering Comment: Watauga, 2015-05-28, Bass Lake
	Photo 21 by: Owen McConnell Comment: Orange, 2014-06-07, Occoneechee Mountain		Photo 22 by: George Andrews Comment: Mecklenburg, 2013-07-08, Beatty Park from 05:30 - 07:30 PM. Skies 60/40 clear/cloud, temp. 85. 85
	Photo 23 by: Vin Stanton, Virginia Senechal Comment: Henderson, 2013-06-20, Westfeldt Park, Northern Henderson County - Male		Photo 24 by: Vin Stanton, Virginia Senechal Comment: Henderson, 2013-06-20, Westfeldt Park, Northern Henderson County - Male
	Photo 25 by: Vin Stanton, Virginia Senechal Comment: Henderson, 2013-06-20, Westfeldt Park, Northern Henderson County - Male		Photo 26 by: Doug Johnston, Vin Stanton Comment: Buncombe, 2010-05-30, - Sandy Mush Gamelands - Bear Creek access
	Photo 27 by: Beth Brinson Comment: Alleghany, 2008-06-27, Blue Ridge Parkway - Male		Photo 28 by: Beth Brinson Comment: Burke; M, 2008-05-01, South Mountains State Park