Blue skimmer facts for kids

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

The blue skimmer (scientific name: Orthetrum caledonicum) is a common Australian dragonfly. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which includes many types of skimmer dragonflies.

These dragonflies are medium-sized. They grow to about 4.5 cm (2 in) long. Their wings can stretch up to 7 cm (3 in) wide.

Meet the Blue Skimmer

What They Look Like

Male blue skimmers are easy to spot. When they are fully grown, their bodies turn a beautiful powdery blue. This blue color covers their main body (thorax) and tail (abdomen).

Female blue skimmers look different. They are usually brownish-grey. Young blue skimmers, called tenerals, are yellow with black markings. They change color as they get older.

Where They Live

Blue skimmers live in many places. You can find them all over mainland Australia. They also live in Tasmania. Beyond Australia, they are found in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, and the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Their Favorite Spots

These dragonflies are not picky about where they live. They like many kinds of water. You can find them near still water, like ponds and lakes. They also live near flowing water, such as rivers and streams. Sometimes, they even live in temporary puddles that dry up later.

Gallery

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  Adult in Margaret River, Western Australia

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  Male with hind wing damage viewed from the side

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  Female with some pale pruinescence on her tail

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  Face of male

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  Covered in dew

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  Mating pair, male is upright

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  Male showing colouration near wingtips

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  Young male before his tail turns blue

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  Young male showing his true colours

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  Female

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  Photo of female wings

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  Illustration of wings of male