The widow skimmer is one of the group of dragonflies known as king skimmers. The nymphs live in the water, molting and growing until they are ready to emerge from the water and then molting a final time to reveal their wings.
Widow skimmers have large bulky bodies, with large heads. Adults have a steely blue body area but juveniles are yellow with brown stripes. Eyes are also large and close together meeting in the middle of the head. They have three pairs of legs. Legs are black in color. They have two pairs of wings: forewings and hindwings. Wings of both sexes are marked with prominent black basal bands. They keep their wings extended over their bodies. Adult males develop broad white spots at midwing as they mature. The abdomen measures approximately 1 inch. They also have a slight white hue on their abdomen and thorax.
Widow skimmers are found commonly throughout the United States, in muddy substrates, or still bodies of waters such as ponds, lakes, streams, and creeks.
Just off of a hiking/biking trail. Not much shade on some of the trails. Be sure to bring plenty of water. You may get wet feet and bug spray is recommended depending on the season.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The scenic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. The park is popular for geocaching, hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.
As of January 2025, the Park Entrance Fees are as follows:
- $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle
- $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
- $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
- $60.00 Bus Tour Fee (30+ people).
- $2.00 per person, Bus Tour Fee (less than 30 people).
Park hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
The North Gate is only open on Saturday, Sunday and State Holidays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Placed with permission of Park Manager Steve Giguere