Libélula Orthetrum brunneum
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Description
Length: From 41 to 49 mm.
Hindwing spam: From 33 to 37 mm.
Male: 1. Blue eyes and white face. 2. Thorax is covered in blue sheen. 3. Fully blue abdomen. It is fatter than in O. coerulescens. 4. Relatively small brown or yellowish pterostigma. 5. Yellow base of the wings (Costa) and yellow transverse or cross-veins between the base and Nodus, as in most Orthetrum. 6. The radial vein (Rspl) has rows of double ells, usually between S4 and S7 (in this case on S5).
Female: It is similar to the male but has no blue sheen. It has yellowish or brown tints instead, and the side widening on S8 stands out (7). It is different than other species in the genus Orthetrum for the same reasons as males.
Habitat
These dragonflies mate in the pools of rivers and streams, which are usually formed in lower and middle courses. It is less common in small lakes or artificial ponds. Normally, it lives on clear areas, such as pools and around small dams with a lot of riverside vegetation, above all reeds, rushes and bulrushes.
Way of life
The male is rather territorial, and it defends its area from other males and other species. It often rests on plants in vertical position, like on the ground, sand or stones. Its wigs are often moved forward over the thorax. The female lays eggs alone, hitting the water surface with the tip of the abdomen in order to drop eggs, while the male stays close and keeps watch.
When to see this species
In Málaga, it flies from March to September, although it is more commonly seen starting from June.
Where to see this species
It is widespread in the province, but is range is limited. Individuals have been occasionally seen along the following stages of the Great Málaga Path: 11, 12, 16, and 23. It can be present on other routes, especially on stages from 5 to 10, 24 to 29, 32 and 35.
Similar species
Other Odonata in the genus Orthetrum, especially O. coerulescens or O. nitidinerve.
Conservation status
The species is not endangered nor is it particularly protected by the current environmental law.
Routes where it can be observed
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 09. Periana - Riogordo
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 05. Nerja - Frigiliana
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 06. Frigiliana - Cómpeta
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 07. Cómpeta - Canillas de Aceituno
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 08. Canillas de Aceituno - Periana
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 10. Riogordo - Alfarnate
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 11. Alfarnate - Villanueva del Rosario
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 12. Villanueva del Rosario - Archidona
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 16. Cuevas Bajas - Alameda
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 23. El Burgo - Ronda
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 24. Ronda - Estación de Benaoján
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 25. Estación de Benaoján - Jimera de Líbar
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 26. Jimera de Líbar - Benalauría
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 27. Benalauría - Genalguacil
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 28. Genalguacil - Casares
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 29. Casares - Estepona
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 32. Ojén - Mijas
- Great Malaga Path (GR 249). Stage 35. Alhaurín de la Torre - Málaga