|
|
 |
Blue Skimmer | Orthetrum caledonicum |
|
|
|
|
Male Blue Skimmer Dragonfly
Image: 768×448, 104KB
Date & Time: 24 January 2006 12:35
Place: Braeside Park
Female Orthetrum caledonicum
Image: 540×480, 43KB
Date & Time: 23 November 2005 15:20
Place: Candlebark Park, Templestowe
Newly Emerged Orthetrum caledonicum
Image: 640×376, 39KB
Date & Time: 14 January 2006 10:55
Place: Candlebark Park, Templestowe
|
This is a common and widespread dragonfly, and can be found around a variety of water environments.
It can also be found in nearby islands, such as New Guinea.
The mature males have a dark head and thorax and a
pruinescent blue tail with a black tip.
Females and teneral males are yellow with black markings,
though mature females can be somewhat pruinescent too.
Although somewhat similar to a few other species in color, its markings are quite distinguishable.
It will fly low over water and readily lands on or low to the ground.
I've found them to be quite hard to photograph, as they seem fairly alert.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Male Blue Skimmer Dragonfly
Female Orthetrum caledonicum
Newly Emerged Orthetrum caledonicum