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Blue Skimmer
Conservation status: Least Concern
This species has been found in every state and territory of Australia, except Tasmania.
It is a fairly large dragonfly, with a wingspan of up to 80 mm.
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Scientific Classification
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Odonata
Epiprocta
Libellulidae
Orthetrum
caledonicum
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These dragonflies change colour. When newly emerged, they are yellowish with dark or black markings. As they grow older, males turn a light powdery-blue on the thorax and abdomen. The tip of their abdomen turns black. Females turn a powdery blue-grey. The eyes of both genders are black and their wing-tips are brownish.
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References:
- "Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia, The" by Günther Theischinger and John Hawking; CSIRO Publishing; Collingwood; 2006; ISBN 9780643090736; p. 266
- "Wildlife of Greater Brisbane – A Queensland Museum Wild Guide"; The Queensland Museum, South Brisbane; 2nd Ed; 2007; ISBN 9780977594313; p. 95
- Atlas of Living Australia – Orthetrum caledonicum
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