Southern skimmer facts for kids
The southern skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to a group of dragonflies called 'skimmers'. These amazing insects are known for their quick flights and how they hover over water.
Quick facts for kids Southern skimmer |
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| Male, Cyprus | |
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| Female, Bulgaria | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Orthetrum
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| Species: |
brunneum
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| Synonyms | |
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Contents
Where Southern Skimmers Live
This type of dragonfly can be found in many places. It lives across most of Europe. Its home range also stretches far into Asia, reaching as far as Mongolia. You can also find it in parts of North Africa.
Southern skimmers live in many countries. This includes places like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. They are also found in countries like China, Turkey, and Egypt.
Southern Skimmer Habitats
Southern skimmers like to live near water. They prefer small streams and canals. They also enjoy ditches with shallow water. These waters warm up quickly in the sun.
What Southern Skimmers Look Like
Adult southern skimmers are about 40 to 45 millimeters (1.6 to 1.8 inches) long. This makes them a bit larger than some other similar dragonflies.
Male southern skimmers have a pale blue body. Their chest (thorax) and belly (abdomen) are this color. Young males start out brownish before turning blue.
Female southern skimmers are yellowish-brown or grayish-brown. Their abdomen is quite flat. It has a thin black line down the middle. Each part of their abdomen also has clear dark spots.
Their wings are clear, like glass. They have yellow or light brown spots near the tips of their wings. These spots are called pterostigma. The wingspan of a southern skimmer can reach 66 to 70 millimeters (2.6 to 2.8 inches).
Southern Skimmer Behavior and Life Cycle
You can often see adult southern skimmers from mid-June to late August. They like to stay near calm rivers. They also hang out near still, shallow water. You might spot them resting on sunny ground.
Male southern skimmers protect their space near the water. They fly short distances to check their area. This helps them chase away other males.
These dragonflies often mate while resting. They usually do this on the ground. The female lays her eggs on the surface of shallow water. She touches the water with her abdomen while flying. Sometimes the male stays with her. He helps keep other males away.
The young southern skimmers are called larvae. They are fierce hunters. Larvae live hidden in soft soil under shallow water. This soil can be fine sand or mud. They prefer places that get a lot of sun. These larvae spend the winter buried. They grow and develop for two or three years before becoming adult dragonflies.
Gallery
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Mating
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Male, dorsal view
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Female, dorsal view
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