Common skimmer

The male's blue compound eyes are beautiful.

Scientific name	Orthetrum albistylum speciosum
English name	Common skimmer
Japanese name	塩辛蜻蛉
Classification	Insecta
Classification details	Odonata Libellulidae
Full length	50-55mm.
Distribution	Distributed throughout Japan. Distributed in the northeastern part of the Eurasian continent.

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.

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.