Painted Skimmer in Vermont

David Hoag, a skilled observer of flying things, found and photographed this Painted Skimmer (Libellula semifasciata) on his home turf of Grand Isle, Vermont, on June 3. (Sorry about the belated report; I’ve been busy myself chasing flying things.) This is only the eighth Vermont record for this southern dragonfly. Painted Skimmer is also a bit of a migrant. So we’re not sure if it’s breeding here or coming north like the birds. But it’s a nice find nonetheless. Watch for this dragonfly at your local pond or wetland. Based on data from Odonata Central, it appears Dave’s bug is about the fourth northernmost we’ve found here in the US.

Source: Odonata Central (www.odonatacentral.org)