Common skimmer

Common skimmer

The male's blue compound eyes are beautiful.

Characteristics

This is the most common dragonfly in Japan.

It is named after the salt-white surface of the body of the mature male.

The male is light blue all over, while the female is yellowish. The abdomen tapers off sharply from the third segment, and the black tip is long. This distinguishes it from similar species.

The compound eyes are also brightly colored, with mature males blue and females green. The wings are transparent and have a black border.

Picture of Common skimmer

Ecology

It is often found in flatland rice fields and rivers and other waterside areas. The nymphs are carnivorous, eating small insects and aquatic creatures. Adults appear from spring to autumn.

Habitat

Tama River riverbed

I photographed a male and female at the Tama River in midsummer. A splendid male was perched on the concrete. The color of the compound eyes was vivid and beautiful. The female is not light blue like the male and at first glance looks like a different species, but it has the characteristics of a Shiokara Tonbo, such as a slender abdomen. I think the color of the female's compound eyes is also beautiful.

Pictures

Introducing a picture of Common skimmer.

Picture of Common skimmer1|The male's compound eyes are bright blue.
The male's compound eyes are bright blue.
Picture of Common skimmer2|They become suddenly thinner from the third abdominal segment.
They become suddenly thinner from the third abdominal segment.
Picture of Common skimmer3|The female has a yellow body and green compound eyes.
The female has a yellow body and green compound eyes.
Picture of Common skimmer4|The wings are transparent.
The wings are transparent.
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Pictures of Common skimmer.

Picture book

Flathead

Flathead

The head is flat and flat.......ead more.

Tritoniopsis elegans

Tritoniopsis elegans

Finely branched white dorsal process.......ead more.

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streaks along head and back.......ead more.

Gadwall

Gadwall

Gray body with fine black patterns.......ead more.

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The tip of the face protrudes like a long-nosed goblin.......ead more.