Orthetrum julia (Julia Skimmer, Cape Skimmer)

Julia Skimmer, Cape Skimmer  Orthetrum julia

Family:  Libellulidae

The male Julia Skimmer is a handsome dragonfly.  It is around 45 mm in length with a wing-span of 70 mm. They are often found in thickets near water and this includes gardens and forests.   The body of the male is predominantly a bluish grey colour while the female is more a brownish yellow.

The Julia Skimmer is mainly found along the coast from Cape Town to Northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

Tip for photographers:  These active dragonflies choose one area to perch.  They then fly off to hunt or chase intruders and then return to the same spot. 

HOW TO EASILY IDENTIFY THE JULIA SKIMMER

• Entire body is covered in hairs.
• Rests with wings well forward and downwards.
• Eggs are scattered just under the surface of water.