Slender skimmer facts for kids

Quick facts for kidsOrthetrum sabina
	Male, Burdwan, West Bengal, India.
	Female, Nepal
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
	Lepthemis divisa Selys, 1878; Libellua leptura Burmeister, 1839; Libellula ampullacea Schneider, 1845; Libellula gibba Fabricius, 1798; Libellula sabina Drury, 1770; Orthetrum nigrescens Bartenev, 1929; Orthetrum viduatum Lieftinck, 1942;

Orthetrum sabina, the slender skimmer or green marsh hawk, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widespread, being found from south-eastern Europe and North Africa to Japan and south to Australia and Micronesia.

Description and habitat

It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a wingspan of 60-85mm. Adults are grayish to greenish yellow with black and pale markings and green eyes. Its abdomen is greenish-yellow, marked with black. It is very similar to Orthetrum serapia in appearance, with both species appearing in northern Australia. Pale markings on segment four of the abdomen do not extend into the posterior section when viewed from above on Orthetrum sabina. Females are similar to males in shape, color and size; differing only in sexual characteristics. This dragonfly perches motionless on shrubs and dry twigs for long periods. It voraciously preys on smaller butterflies and dragonflies.