Blue skimmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blue 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

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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