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Black-headed Skimmer

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Crocothemis nigrifrons

Description

black headed skimmer

The Black Headed Skimmer dragonfly, also known as Blue Scarlet, is one of the most common dragonflies in Brisbane. The male has a black head and thorax and a blue abdomen, with a dark blue line along the top of the abdomen and clear wings. The female is yellow, with a black line along the top of the abdomen, but can occasionally be blue like the male. Both male and female rest with their wings folded forward and down.

The Black Headed Skimmer can be found in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It can usually be found residing near still or slowly running waters.

Adaptations

  • Large eyes: giving them excellent vision
  • Mating: they mate while in flight in a wheel position

Feeding relationships

  • What I eat: other small invertebrates, often caught on the wing and consumed in flight
  • What eats me: birds, lizards and other dragonflies

Interesting facts​

The nymphs, which live in fresh water and are predatory, have an extendible bottom lip which can be shot out to capture prey.

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Last reviewed 06 May 2021
Last updated 06 May 2021