Blue Marsh Hawk Orthetrum glaucum

Photo of Blue Marsh Hawk (Orthetrum glaucum)

(c) Wildan R. Ardani, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderDragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)
FamilySkimmers (Libellulidae)
GenusOrthetrum (Orthetrum)

Don't let the 'hawk' name fool you—this dragonfly earns its reputation as a master aerial hunter in Asian marshes. The striking blue coloring does double duty: it impresses mates and helps blend into sky and water. Widespread across tropical and subtropical Asia, it's relentlessly hunting smaller insects with impressive speed and agility.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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