Brownwater skimmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brownwater skimmer
Male
Female
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Libellulidae
Genus:	Orthetrum
Species:	O. boumiera
Binomial name
Orthetrum boumiera Watson & Arthington, 1978
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The Brownwater skimmer (scientific name: Orthetrum boumiera) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which is a group of dragonflies often called "skimmers."

This special dragonfly is only found in eastern Australia. It loves to live near freshwater, especially in the unique dune lakes found there.

Brownwater skimmers are medium-sized dragonflies. When they are young, they are mostly yellow with black marks. As male dragonflies get older, their bodies turn a beautiful blue color. This blue color is like a powdery coating called pruinescence. Female dragonflies might also get a little bit of this powdery look.

Where the Name Comes From

The name boumiera for this dragonfly comes from a special place. It's named after Bummiera, which is the Aboriginal name for Brown Lake. This lake is on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Australia.

Students from the University of Queensland were the first to find and collect these dragonflies in the Bummiera area. That's why the scientists who officially named the species chose to honor the place where it was discovered.

Brownwater Skimmer Gallery

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  Female profile

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  Male profile

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  Male view from behind

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  Young male colouring is similar to female

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  Young male

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  Old male

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  Female flying

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  Male flying

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  Mating pair, male on top

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  Mating closer

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  Female wings

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  Male wings