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19 July 2020

Slender Skimmer or Oasis Skimmer – Jubail

The Slender Skimmer Orthetrum sabina is a common dragonfly in Saudi Arabia found in oasis and overgrown riverbanks and wetland areas. It rarely perches and when it does it hangs partly suspended by a bush or reed stem. Very active hunter. 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. Females are similar to males in shape, colour and size. It is widespread, being found from south-eastern Europe and North Africa to Japan and south to Australia and Micronesia.