Tramea limbata facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tramea limbata
male, Madagascar
female
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Tramea
Species:	limbata
Synonyms
Libellula incerta Rambur, 1842 Libellula limbata Desjardins, 1832 Libellula mauriciana Rambur, 1842 Libellula similata Rambur, 1842 Libellula stylata Rambur, 1842 Tramea continentalis Selys, 1878 Tramea madagascariensis Kirby, 1889 Tramea translucida Kirby, 1889 Trapezostigma continentale Selys, 1878 Trapezostigma limbatum (Desjardins, 1832)

The Ferruginous Glider (Tramea limbata) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which is a large group of dragonflies. People also call this dragonfly the black marsh trotter or voyaging glider.

Where Do Ferruginous Gliders Live?

This amazing dragonfly is a migrant. This means it travels long distances, much like some birds do. You can find it in many parts of the world. It lives across Africa south of the Sahara Desert, including the island of Madagascar. It also flies in the southern Arabian Peninsula, southern Asia, and nearby islands.

What Does the Ferruginous Glider Look Like?

The Ferruginous Glider is a medium-sized dragonfly. Males are usually a bright red color. They have long parts at the end of their body, which help them balance.

How to Identify This Dragonfly

One special way to tell this dragonfly apart is by its back wings. It has a dark brown patch at the base of each hind-wing. This patch does not have a golden yellow area around it, which helps identify it from similar dragonflies. Female Ferruginous Gliders look a lot like the males. They can be red, just like the males, or sometimes they are more yellowish in color.

Habitat and Daily Life

Ferruginous Gliders love to live near water. They are often found in open pools, ponds, and grassy marsh areas. These are the places where they lay their eggs and where their young grow.

Where Adults Spend Their Time

Adult dragonflies often hang out in bushy areas. You can also spot them around woodlands near their watery homes. On sunny days, these dragonflies are commonly seen flying over water bodies. They also fly over open spaces, looking for food or a mate. Sometimes, you might see pairs flying together low over the water. This is often when they are mating.

Images for kids

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  Female

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  male, India

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  Pair in tandem flying over water bodies

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  male, Madagascar