Orthetrum abbotti

Orthetrum abbotti is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Common names include little skimmer and Abbott's skimmer[1]

Orthetrum abbotti
Male

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Odonata
Family:
Libellulidae
Genus:
Orthetrum
Species:
O. abbotti
Binomial name
Orthetrum abbotti
Calvert, 1892
Synonyms
  • Chlorocnemis inepta (Grünberg, 1902)
  • Orthetrum flavidulum (Kirby, 1898)
  • Orthetrum mundulum (Morton, 1928)
  • Orthetrum phillipsi (Kirby, 1896)
  • Oxythemis villiersi (Fraser, 1949)

The species is found in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and also Jordan and Yemen.[1][2] Its preferred habitats are small marshy spots (such as seeps, marshy verges of streams and grassy puddles) in grasslands and savannas.[3]

This is a small Orthetrum; length 33–38 mm, wingspan 52–60 mm. Mature males are pale blue and the crest of the frons may be dark. The hook of the hamule is long and thin. Females and teneral males have only thin dark lines on the thorax.[4] [5]

  • Recently emerged male
  • Immature male
  • Immature male
  • Immature male
  • Mature male
  • Old male
  • Male secondary gentilia
  • Female
  • Female
  • Old female
  • Old female

References
  1. Boudot, J.-P.; Clausnitzer, V.; Suhling, F.; Dijkstra, K.-D.B.; Schneider, W. & Samraoui, B. (2016). "Orthetrum abbotti". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2016: e.T59948A83855313. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T59948A83855313.en. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  2. http://www.zobodat.at/pdf/DENISIA_0014_0309-0317.pdf
  3. Dijkstra, K.-D.B.; Clausnitzer, V. (2014). The dragonflies and damselflies of eastern Africa. Tervuren: Royal Museum for Central Africa. ISBN 978-94-916-1506-1.
  4. Tarboton, Warwick & Michèle (2002). A fieldguide to the dragonflies of South Africa. South Africa: Warwick & Michèle Tarboton. ISBN 0620298871.
  5. Samways, Michael J. (2008). Dragonflies and damselflies of South Africa (1st ed.). Sofia: Pensoft. ISBN 978-954-642-330-6.


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