Tramea loewii

Tramea loewii, the common glider, is a species of dragonfly in the Libellulidae family. It is found in the Cocos Islands, Moluccas, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Australia, and the western Pacific. Since 2005, Tramea loewii has also been recorded in New Zealand.

Tramea loewii
Male in Darwin, Australia
Female
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Libellulidae
Genus:	Tramea
Species:	T. loewii
Binomial name
Tramea loewii Kaup, 1866
Synonyms
Tramea tillyardi (Lieftinck, 1942)

Description

Tramea loewii is a medium to large dragonfly (wingspan 85 mm, length 45 mm). Its synthorax is striped yellowish to brown on a purplish background. Males have a red abdomen, and the last two segments have black markings. Females are a dull brown colour. Dark patches at the base of their hindwings are a characteristic feature of this species; males have red patches and females have brown. Tramea loewii is very similar to Tramea stenoloba which has a darker synthorax, and larger genital dimensions.

Habitat

Tramea loewii inhabits a wide range of still waters, ponds and swamps, and may breed many times in a year. In Australia it is widespread except for the far south-west of the continent.

Gallery

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  Male common glider has a red abdomen with black markings near the tip
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  Female common glider has a brown abdomen with black markings near the tip
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  Male viewed from the side
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  Female viewed from the side
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  Male face
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  Female face
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  Illustration of male Tramea wing venation
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  Photo of female wings
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  1. Tramea loewii from Australian Insects 1907