Orthetrum sabina or the slender skimmer or green marsh hawk, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widespread, being found from south-eastern Europe and North Africa to Japan and south to Australia and Micronesia.
Orthetrum Sabina (Slender Skimmer) is a dragonfly species belonging to family Libellulidae. Its hindwing may measure up to 34 mm in males and 36 mm in females. It can be recognized by pale yellowish green pattern and swollen abdomen on segment 1-3. The female has similar characteristics to male. The Slender Skimmer is commonly found in degraded, open habitats including drains, ponds and marshes; often forages at forest margins and in the canopy. Its larvae are found in a wide range of situations with muddy or leafy substrate and salt tolerance. It is widespread in old world tropics and subtropics.
It is a medium-sized dragonfly with a wingspan of 60-85mm. Adults are grayish to greenish yellow with black and pale markings and green eyes. Its abdomen is greenish-yellow, marked with black. It is very similar to ''Orthetrum serapia'' in appearance, with both species appearing in northern Australia. Pale markings on segment four of the abdomen do not extend into the posterior section when viewed from above on ''Orthetrum sabina''. Females are similar to males in shape, color and size; differing only in sexual characteristics. This dragonfly perches motionless on shrubs and dry twigs for long periods. It voraciously preys on smaller butterflies and dragonflies.
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