Orthetrum testaceum

Orthetrum testaceum, common names Crimson Dropwing or Orange Skimmer. is an Asian freshwater dragonfly species belonging to the family Libellulidae.

Orthetrum testaceum
male O. t. testaceum
Sabah, Borneo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Odonata
Suborder:
Anisoptera
Family:
Libellulidae
Genus:
Orthetrum
Species:
O. testaceum
Binomial name
Orthetrum testaceum
(Burmeister, 1839)

Subspecies

Subspecies include:[1]

  • Orthetrum testaceum soembanum Foerster, 1903
  • Orthetrum testaceum testaceum (Burmeister, 1839)

Distribution and habitat

This common species is widespread in throughout India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.[2] These dragonflies may occur in various areas with standing waters, as in ponds, drains, , marshes, around rivers, streams, lakes and gardens.[3][4]

Description

Orthetrum testaceum can reach a body length of about 43–48 mm (1.7–1.9 in), with an 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 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 much reddish, whilew O. chrysis has a reddish brown thorax.[3][5][6]

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.[4]

See also

References
  1. Catalogue of Life
  2. Wilson, K.D.P. 2013. Orthetrum testaceum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.2. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 03 July 2015.
  3. The DNA of Singapore Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
  4. Dragonfly on Stamps
  5. Tang, H. B., L. K. Wang & M. Hämäläinen, 2010. A Photographic Guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore, Singapore. 222 pp.
  6. E. A. Heinrichs Biology and Management of Rice Insects
  • Tol J. van - Odonata: Catalogue of the Odonata of the World.


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