Orthetrum caledonicum
# Orthetrum caledonicum

Orthetrum caledonicum, the blue skimmer, is a common Australian dragonfly in the family Libellulidae.

Males have a powder blue thorax and abdomen pruinescent blue when mature. The females are brownish grey in colour while the teneral are yellow with black markings. They are medium in size, with a body length of 4.5 cm (2 in) and a wingspan of 7 cm (3 in).

The species is widespread throughout mainland Australia and extending to Tasmania. It is also found in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands and Lesser Sunda Islands. It inhabits a range of still and flowing water habitats including temporary waters.

## Gallery

* Adult in Margaret River, Western Australia
* Male with hind wing damage viewed from the side
* Female with some pale pruinescence on her tail
* Face of male
* Covered in dew
* Mating pair, male is upright
* Male showing colouration near wingtips
* Young male before his tail turns blue
* Young male showing his true colours
* Female
* Photo of female wings
* Illustration of wings of male
