description Libellula needhami Overview
Libellula needhami, commonly known as Needham's skimmer, is a dragonfly species inhabiting coastal marshes and ponds along the eastern seaboard of North America from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas. Described by odonatologist Minter Jack Westfall Jr. in 1943, the species was named in honor of James George Needham, an American entomologist who contributed significantly to the study of aquatic insects. The male displays a distinctive pruinose blue abdomen and yellow lateral thoracic stripes, while females and immature males maintain a yellow-brown coloration throughout their bodies.
help Libellula needhami FAQ
Where can I find the Libellula needhami dragonfly?
Libellula needhami, commonly known as Needham's skimmer, inhabits coastal marshes and ponds along the eastern seaboard of North America. Its geographic range stretches from Massachusetts down to Florida and Texas. They are particularly abundant in brackish coastal wetlands.
Who is the Libellula needhami species named after?
The species was described by odonatologist Minter Jack Westfall Jr. in 1943. It was named in honor of the prominent American entomologist James G. Needham. Needham was a pioneering figure in the study of North American dragonflies.
What kind of habitat does the Needham's skimmer prefer?
This dragonfly species prefers the brackish or fresh waters of coastal marshes and ponds. These environments provide the necessary vegetation and still water for their larval development. They are rarely found far from these specific coastal habitats.
When was the Libellula needhami species first officially described?
Minter Jack Westfall Jr. officially described the species in 1943. His research helped classify and distinguish it from other similar skimmer dragonflies in the Libellula genus. This work was part of his broader contributions to odonate taxonomy.
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