The Skimmer Dragonfly (Neurothemis intermedia ssp. atalanta)—commonly known as the Paddyfield Parasol—is a widespread Asian dragonfly species. Highly adaptable, these striking insects prefer open lowland habitats, like paddy fields and wastelands, and are well known for their distinct coloration and sexual dimorphism.
Physical Characteristics
Wings: Characterized by a broad, amber-yellow patch at the base of all wings. In N. i. atalanta, this basal marking is notably sharply defined. The wing tips remain largely transparent.
Eyes: Cherry-red on top, shifting to yellowish-white at the base.Abdomen: Generally orange/yellow in sub-adults and females, with two broken black lines running down the top. Females often feature clearer lateral lines on the abdomen compared to males. Mature adult males turn a bold, rich orange.
Size: Relatively small to medium-sized, with an abdomen of 21 mm to 24 mm and a total wingspan around 50 mm to 55 mm.
Habitat & BehaviorRange: This subspecies occurs widely across South and Southeast Asia. Track its global observations on iNaturalist.
Behavior: Females of this subspecies are spotted more frequently than mature adult males, as the species enjoys open wastelands, marshes, and the edges of upland forests.
Flight Period: They are highly active and can be seen flying consistently throughout most of the year (typically February through December).
