About Libellula saturata Uhler, 1857
Males of the flame skimmer *Libellula saturata* Uhler, 1857 have entirely red or dark orange bodies; this coloring extends to their eyes, legs, and even wing veins. Females are typically medium to dark brown with thin, yellow markings. This species of skimmer varies in size, and generally ranges between 2 and 3 inches (5.1 and 7.6 cm) in total length. Its aquatic nymphs (naiads) look rather large and chubby, due to their rounded abdomens. Naiads are covered in hair, and unlike most young dragonflies, they do not have hooks or spines. Breeding for flame skimmers takes place during their flight season, which runs from May to September. Males compete with other males to secure prime breeding locations and access to females. After mating, the male and female separate, and the female flies off alone to lay her eggs. She lays eggs by hovering above small streams or ponds, and dipping the tip of her abdomen into the water. She often deposits her eggs in many separate locations to prevent newly hatched naiads from preying on each other.
