Roseate Skimmer

The Roseate Skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is native to the Americas, where its distribution extends from the United States to Brazil. It is common and widespread. It is an introduced species in Hawaii. Although it can survive in a variety of habitats, open water is typically needed. Tanks and ditches are examples of disturbed and man-made water bodies. It may survive on the either bare or forested ground. In the mud, it reproduces.

The species' male has an abdomen that is rose pink and crimson. The female has a brownish thorax with a light stripe along the back, an orange-brown abdomen with clear orange veins, and an orange-brown head. Except for brown pterostigmata at the front edges, the wings are often transparent. Its length ranges from 46 to 55 mm, and its wingspan is 35 to 44 mm. Male roseate skimmers are fiercely territorial, attacking any other males who approach their territory.