Orthetrum testaceum, common names Crimson Dropwing or Orange Skimmer is an Asian freshwater dragonfly species belonging to the family Libellulidae.
Subspecies Subspecies include: 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. These dragonflies may occur in various areas with standing waters, as in ponds, drains, marshes, around rivers, streams, lakes, and gardens.
Description
Orthetrum testaceum can reach a body length of about , with a hindwing of (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.
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.
See also Orthetrum
References
Tol J. van - Odonata: Catalogue of the Odonata of the World.
External links World Odonata List – Slater Museum of Natural History University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA 98416, USA Dragonflies & Damselflies of Thailand Odonata of Peninsular Malaysia Orthetrum testaceum of Borneo Island