Variegated Green Skimmer
About the Variegated Green Skimmer in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
The Variegated Green Skimmer (Orthetrum sabina) is a highly adaptable, very common resident dragonfly. They are frequently seen in a wide variety of open wetlands, flooded fields, and even urban concrete drains.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Variegated Green Skimmer!
The Variegated Green Skimmer features distinctive pale greenish-yellow and dark mottled patterning that covers its entire body. Its highly unique abdomen is noticeably swollen at the base, tapers to become very thin in the middle, and slightly widens again at the tip to form a club-like shape.
Interested to learn more about how to identify Dragonflies? Check out our simple guide on identifying Dragonflies!
Habitat and ecology
They are incredibly fast, strong flyers and notoriously ferocious predators. Rather than just eating tiny flies or mosquitoes, they actively hunt, tackle, and consume other, sometimes equally sized, dragonflies!
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Enjoy spotting dragonflies, or interested to learn more about the ones you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for the Dragonfly Watch to collect valuable data about local species, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the Variegated Green Skimmer!
Curious about the Variegated Green Skimmer? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
