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Libélula Orthetrum brunneum

Diputación de Málaga
ConoceNatura-Orthetrum brunneum

Libélula Orthetrum brunneum

When to see them
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Safe appearance Probable appearance
MediosLand
Animal Life > Dragonflies

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.