Kenya Natural History Guide >>> Insects >>> Dragonflies and Damselflies >>> Saddlebags Skimmer

Phantom Flutterer

Rhyothemis semihyalina

a skimmer dragonfly with black bases to the hind wings, Mombasa, Kenya, Jan. 2012. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at the Bamburi Haller Park Gardens/Reclamation site, Mombasa, Kenya, January 2012. This one appears similar to Tramea.

Dragonflies lead a double life. The first life is an aquatic insect hunting beneath the water and concealed by growth or fallen leaves. There they consume aquatic invertebrates or even small fish. Eventually they emerge from the water, shed their exoskeleton once more, and reveal their gossamer wings. Now they become masters of airborne predation taking especially small flies including mosquitoes. People should appreciate these marvels!

Libellulidae -- Skimmer Dragonfly Family

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Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 17 May 2011