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Brownwater skimmer facts for kids

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Brownwater skimmer
Male Orthetrum boumiera 3 (49698320851).jpg
Male
Female Orthetrum boumiera flying (49697793943).jpg
Female
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Orthetrum boumiera distribution map.svg

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

  • Female Orthetrum boumiera (49698322986)

    Female profile

  • Male Orthetrum boumiera 4 (49698624542)

    Male profile

  • Male Orthetrum boumiera 5 (49697787088)

    Male view from behind

  • Young male Orthetrum boumiera (49698310726)

    Young male colouring is similar to female

  • Young Male Orthetrum boumiera (49698315336)

    Young male

  • Old Male Orthetrum boumiera 4 (49698321931)

    Old male

  • Female Orthetrum boumiera flying (49698631287)

    Female flying

  • Male Orthetrum boumiera (49698627822)

    Male flying

  • Mating Orthetrum boumiera (49698617022)

    Mating pair, male on top

  • Mating Orthetrum boumiera (49698313401)

    Mating closer

  • Orthetrum boumiera female wings (34216389994)

    Female wings

  • Orthetrum boumiera male wings (34249152203)

    Male wings

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Brownwater skimmer Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.