- Source: Orthetrum testaceum
Orthetrum testaceum, common names Crimson Dropwing or Orange Skimmer. is an Asian freshwater dragonfly species belonging to the family Libellulidae.
Subspecies
Subspecies include:
Orthetrum testaceum soembanum Foerster, 1903
Orthetrum testaceum testaceum (Burmeister, 1839)
Distribution and habitat
This common species is widespread throughout India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. These dragonflies may occur in various areas with standing waters, as in ponds, drains, marshes, around rivers, streams, lakes, and gardens.
Description
Orthetrum testaceum can reach a body length of about 43–48 mm (1.7–1.9 in), with a hindwing of 34–38 mm (1.3–1.5 in) (in males). In these large dragonflies the thorax of adult males is orange-brown, with a vermilion red abdomen. The eyes are light brownish. The wings are smoky transparent, with an amber patch at the base. In adult females and in recently emerged males the body is olive-green to brown in colour with black markings and a clear base of the hindwings.
These dragonflies are rather similar to Orthetrum chrysis, but O. testaceum is more reddish, while O. chrysis has a reddish brown thorax.
Biology and behavior
The males regularly perch near ponds, while the females usually fly to water only during mating season and egg-laying. In this case the males guard them by flying over them.
See also
Orthetrum
References
Tol J. van - Odonata: Catalogue of the Odonata of the World.
External links
World Odonata List – Slater Museum of Natural History University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, USA
Dragonflies & Damselflies of Thailand
Odonata of Peninsular Malaysia
Orthetrum testaceum of Borneo Island
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Orthetrum testaceum
- Orthetrum
- List of Odonata species of Taiwan
- Index of Singapore-related articles
- List of least concern arthropods
- List of least concern insects
- List of Odonata of Nepal
