Orthetrum villosovittatum
Species of dragonfly
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Orthetrum villosovittatum, known as the fiery skimmer,[4] is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae.[5][3] Its range is from the Moluccas, New Guinea and neighbouring islands as well as Australia.[6] In Australia it is found in Victoria through eastern New South Wales and Queensland, north inland Queensland, Cape York Peninsula and north Northern Territory.[7] It is a common species through most of its range.
| Fiery skimmer | |
|---|---|
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| A male fiery skimmer, Cairns | |
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| Female | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Superfamily: | Libelluloidea |
| Family: | Libellulidae |
| Genus: | Orthetrum |
| Species: | O. villosovittatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Orthetrum villosovittatum | |
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| Synonyms[3] | |
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Orthetrum villosovittatum is a medium-sized dragonfly with a wingspan of 60–85 mm.[4] Mature males have dark greyish to greenish-brown thoraxes and red abdomens, with the abdomen constricted at segment four. Young males have an amber and black colouring. Females are ochre-coloured.
Orthetrum villosovittatum inhabits boggy seepages, streams and swamps.[4]
Etymology
The genus name Orthetrum is derived from the Greek ὀρθός (orthos, "straight") and ἦτρον (ētron, "abdomen"), referring to the parallel-sided abdomen of the genus.[8]
The species name villosovittatum is derived from the Latin villosus ("shaggy" or "hairy") and vittatus ("banded" or "striped"), referring to the hairy dark streak on the side of the thorax.[2][8]
Gallery
Female face on
Male face on
Female
Male
Young males are an orange colour
Female side view
Male side view
Young male side view
Resting with wings held forward
Female looking to deposit her eggs in a pond
Male tail
Mating pair
Female wings
Male wings
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