Slender Skimmer
Orthetrum sabina
Meet the 'Green Marsh Hawk,' a strikingly striped predator that dominates the backyard skies. With its unique 'wasp-waisted' tail and fearless hunting style, the Slender Skimmer is a master of aerial acrobatics.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 43-52 mm (1.7-2.0 in); Wingspan: 70-80 mm (2.7-3.1 in)
Colors
Pale yellowish-green with intricate black bands and tiger-like stripes; greenish-yellow compound eyes
Key Features
- Dramatically swollen green base of the abdomen (segments 1-3)
- Long, thin abdomen with distinct black-and-white/green barring
- Greenish-yellow thorax with heavy black striping
- Clear wings with a dark brown or black pterostigma
When You’ll See Them
Geographic range
Where Does the Slender Skimmer Live?
This widespread dragonfly is native to a massive geographic area spanning from southeastern Europe and North Africa through the Middle East and across all of South and Southeast Asia. Its range extends as far north as Japan and reaches southward through Indonesia into Australia and various islands of Micronesia, making it one of the most broadly distributed Odonata species in the Old World.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Behavior
The Slender Skimmer is a fierce and highly active predator, often earned the nickname of 'cannibal' because it frequently preys on other dragonflies and damselflies, sometimes even those of its own size. Unlike many dragonfly species that remain strictly tied to water bodies, the Slender Skimmer is a wanderer, often found hunting in gardens, grassy fields, and forest clearings far from the nearest pond.
As a 'percher' dragonfly, it spends most of its day resting on low-lying vegetation, bare twigs, or even the ground, using these vantage points to scan for passing prey. Once a target is spotted, it launches into a lightning-fast aerial pursuit. While they are bold hunters, they are relatively tolerant of human presence and can be approached closely for observation if you move slowly and avoid casting a shadow over them.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
To capture high-quality images of a Slender Skimmer with a backyard camera, you must focus on their perching behavior. These dragonflies are creatures of habit and will often return to the exact same twig or leaf after a hunting flight. Identify a prominent, sun-exposed branch near a water source or in an open patch of your garden and position your camera roughly 1 to 3 feet away. Using a tripod at a low height is essential, as this species frequently perches closer to the ground than other skimmers.
For AI-powered cameras or trail cams, the trigger speed is the most critical factor. The Slender Skimmer is incredibly fast; by the time a slow camera triggers, the insect may have already taken flight. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or 'High-Speed Video' to ensure you catch the moment of landing or takeoff. If your camera allows for manual focus or focus zoning, set it specifically for the tip of the perch where the dragonfly is likely to land.
Lighting is your best friend with this species. They are most active during the brightest parts of the day when their iridescent wings and lime-green bodies pop against the background. However, the best 'portrait' opportunities occur in the early morning. Before the sun fully warms them up, Slender Skimmers are more lethargic and will allow a camera to be positioned much closer without flying away. You can even 'land-scape' your yard to attract them by placing a few vertical bamboo stakes in sunny, wind-protected spots near your camera station.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Slender Skimmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Record Slender Skimmer at your habitat
Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.