Orthetrum testaceum

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

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

Subspecies

Subspecies include:[2]

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

Distribution and habitat

This common species is widespread throughout India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.[1] 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 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.[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. ^ a b Wilson, K.D.P. (2011). "Orthetrum testaceum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011 e.T167384A6339264. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T167384A6339264.en. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  2. ^ "Orthetrum testaceum (Burmeister, 1839)". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands.
  3. ^ a b "Orthetrum testaceum (Burmeister, 1839)". The DNA of Singapore. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020.
  4. ^ a b "Orthetrum testaceum". Dragonfly on Stamps.
  5. ^ Tang, H. B.; L. K. Wang; M. Hämäläinen (2010). A Photographic Guide to the Dragonflies of Singapore. Singapore: Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore.
  6. ^ E. A. Heinrichs, ed. (January 1994). Biology and Management of Rice Insects. New Delhi, India: Wiley Eastern Limited, New Age International Limited. ISBN 9780470218143.
  • Tol J. van - Odonata: Catalogue of the Odonata of the World.