Orthetrum albistylum: The White-Tailed Skimmer of Wetlands
Orthetrum albistylum, commonly known as the White-tailed Skimmer, is a widespread and striking species of dragonfly belonging to the family Libellulidae. With its eye-catching appearance, fascinating life cycle, and ecological importance, this dragonfly captivates naturalists, ecologists, and casual observers alike. Found across a wide range of Eurasia, this species is a classic representative of the rich biodiversity found in freshwater ecosystems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Scientific Name: Orthetrum albistylum
Family: Libellulidae
Order: Odonata
Common Name: White-tailed Skimmer
Subspecies: The most notable is Orthetrum albistylum speciosum, a more vibrant variant.
The genus Orthetrum contains several medium to large dragonfly species, all known for their dynamic flight patterns and sun-loving behavior. Among them, O. albistylum stands out for the pale coloration of the male's abdomen tip, from which the “white-tailed” descriptor originates.
Distribution and Habitat
Orthetrum albistylum is distributed throughout much of Europe and Asia, extending from Western Europe across Russia to Japan and Southeast Asia. Its presence has even been recorded in some areas of China, Korea, and the Indian subcontinent.
This species is typically found near still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as:Lakes
Ponds
Marshes
Canals
Slow-flowing rivers
The White-tailed Skimmer is especially drawn to areas with rich aquatic vegetation, which provides suitable sites for oviposition and a plentiful supply of prey.
Physical Description
The adult Orthetrum albistylum dragonfly is medium-sized, with distinctive sexual dimorphism:
Males:Length: Around 40–50 mm
Color: Powdery blue or bluish-grey on the thorax and abdomen.
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
