Libellula vibrans

Libellula vibrans, commonly known as the great blue skimmer, is a large dragonfly characterized by its striking blue body and white face. Mature males develop a powdery blue pruinescence, while females and juveniles are typically brown with darker dorsal markings. They are among the largest skimmers found in eastern North America.

You can find the great blue skimmer in the eastern regions of North America, often near wooded swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams. They prefer shallow, fishless waters for breeding, where the nymphs can develop safely away from predators. This specific species was first described by the zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793.

The scientific name for this specific dragonfly is Libellula vibrans, placing it in the Libellulidae family, which contains many common skimmer species. The formal classification was established in 1793 by the Danish entomologist Johan Christian Fabricius. It is a distinct species separated from other blue-bodied skimmers by its sheer size and dark wing bases.

Great blue skimmers are most active during the warm summer months, generally flying from late spring through early fall. Their flight season usually peaks in June and July in the eastern United States. During this time, they frequently perch vertically on low twigs or vegetation near their aquatic habitats.