Orthetrum caledonicum - Blue Skimmer

Male identification: Flattened blue abdomen narrowing to a black tip. Blue colour caused by excreted 'pruinescence'. Immature males are patterned like females. Dark thorax, eyes and face. Wings of many individuals with slight brownish hue about the leading edge of the tips.

Female identification: Tiny with dark reddish-brown and heavily flattened abdomen. Abdomen with lattice markings: dark central and lateral stripes and dark rings between segment joints. Dark thorax with distinct pale antehumerals. Pale face and dark eyes. Slight yellow bases to wings.

Similar species: Unlikely to be confused with other species. Female superficially similar to Diplacodes but unmarked pale mid-dorsal area of abdomen diagnostic (female Diplacodes have line of spots along mid-dorsal line). Could be confused with P. flavescens which differs in behaviour, tending to fly at height and glide intermittently on broad wings.

Behaviour: Fast-flying, usually very low over water or bare ground such as sand or gravel paths and muddy margins of waterbodies. Readily lands on the ground or low vegetation from where it conducts hunting sorties.

Distribution: Widespread throughout Victoria including desert areas but only below about 600m altitude.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Edges of permanent and ephermal ponds and lakes. Often strays far from water and can be found along gravel paths and sandy tracks.

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: October to May