| Roseate skimmer | |
|---|---|
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Suborder: | Anisoptera |
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| Genus: | Orthemis |
| Species: | O. ferruginea |
| Binomial name | |
| Orthemis ferruginea (Fab., 1775) | |
The roseate skimmer (Orthemis ferruginea) is a species dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is native to the Americas, where its distribution extends from the United States to Brazil. It is common and widespread.[1] It is an introduced species in Hawaii.[2]
The male of the species has a rose pink and red abdomen. The female has an orange-brown abdomen with clear orange veins and a brownish thorax with a light stripe down the back. The wings are normally clear except for brown pterostigmata at the leading edges. Its 46-55 mm in length with a wingspan of 35-44 mm long.[3] Males are highly territorial, defending their territory aggressively against other male roseate skimmers that fly near.[4]
It tolerates a wide range of habitat types, but usually requires open water. This can include disturbed and artificial water bodies, such as tanks and ditches. It can live in open or vegetated land. It breeds in the mud.[1]
References
- ^ a b Paulson, D. R. 2009. Orthemis ferruginea. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. Downloaded on 22 July 2013.
- ^ Orthemis ferruginea. Waipi'o Valley Stream Restoration Study. Bishop Museum. 2010.
- ^ https://www.odonatacentral.org/index.php/FieldGuideAction.get/id/47384
- ^ Brown, Taylor A., et al. “Space Use of Predatory Larval Dragonflies and Tadpole Prey in Response to Chemical Cues of Predation.” The American Midland Naturalist, vol. 181, no. 1, 2019, p. 53., doi:10.1674/0003-0031-181.1.53.