About Orthetrum caledonicum (Brauer, 1865)
Orthetrum caledonicum, commonly known as the blue skimmer, is a common Australian dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. When mature, males have a powder blue thorax and a pruinescent blue abdomen. Females are brownish grey in colour, while teneral individuals are yellow with black markings. This is a medium-sized dragonfly, with a body length of 4.5 cm (2 in) and a wingspan of 7 cm (3 in). The species is widespread across mainland Australia, and its range extends to Tasmania. It can also be found in New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. It lives in a variety of still and flowing water habitats, including temporary waters.
