Twelve-spotted Skimmer Libellula pulchella

The name tells the story: twelve distinctive spots make this North American skimmer instantly recognizable. These dark markings splashed across the wings serve as a perfect field mark for beginners. What's truly remarkable is its continental distribution—found in all 48 contiguous U.S. states plus southern Canada. This widespread success proves that dragonflies don't need to be rare to be impressive. Patient hunting by ponds and streams anywhere across North America will reward you with sightings of this common beauty.