Carmine Skimmer

The Carmine Skimmer (Orthemis discolor) is a medium-sized dragonfly in which mature males develop a deep rose-red or carmine coloration on the abdomen and thorax. Females and immature males are typically brownish or olive with lighter markings along the sides of the abdomen.

The Carmine Skimmer is found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into parts of South America. It inhabits ponds, marshes, and other still-water habitats where it perches conspicuously on vegetation near the water's edge.

Orthemis discolor and Orthemis ferruginea, the Roseate Skimmer, are closely related and very similar in appearance, and there has been taxonomic debate about whether they are truly distinct species. The two are frequently confused in the field, and some authorities have treated them as part of a single species complex.

The Carmine Skimmer belongs to the family Libellulidae, the largest dragonfly family, commonly known as skimmers or perchers. Libellulidae includes hundreds of species worldwide whose members typically perch horizontally on twigs or vegetation rather than hanging vertically like darners.