Blue skimmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kidsBlue skimmer
	Male
	Female
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

Orthetrum caledonicum, the blue skimmer, is a common Australian dragonfly in the family Libellulidae.

Males have a powder blue thorax and abdomen pruinescent blue when mature. The females are brownish grey in colour while the teneral are yellow with black markings. They are medium in size, with a body length of 4.5 cm (2 in) and a wingspan of 7 cm (3 in).

The species is widespread throughout mainland Australia and extending to Tasmania. It is also found in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands and Lesser Sunda Islands. It inhabits a range of still and flowing water habitats including temporary waters.

Gallery

Adult in Margaret River, Western Australia
Male with hind wing damage viewed from the side
Female with some pale pruinescence on her tail
Face of male
Covered in dew
Mating pair, male is upright
Male showing colouration near wingtips
Young male before his tail turns blue
Young male showing his true colours
Female
Photo of female wings
Illustration of wings of male