Green Nature

Red Rock Skimmer

picture of a male red rock skimmer dragonfly

The Red Rock Skimmer (Paltothemis lineatipes) is a Southwestern dragonfly, and the only member of the Paltothemis genus found in the United States.

Not coincidently they can be found basking on rocks in streams at both higher and lower elevations.

Males, like the one pictured above, have red eyes, noses and abdomens, with black markings on the abdomen.

Females, like the one pictured below, have a more pinkish pattern on the abdomen.

picture of a female red rock skimmer dragonfly

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels