For every animal. For a shared future.A nonprofit initiative
PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
IDNeed help?

PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Slender Skimmer

Slender Skimmer (Orthetrum sabina). The slender skimmer ranges widely from Asia to Australia; its green-and-black pattern and perching behaviour aid recognition.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Orthetrum sabina
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Slender Skimmer (Orthetrum sabina).
(c) Nigel Main, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Slender Skimmer?

Slender Skimmer refers to Orthetrum sabina, in the genus Orthetrum, family Libellulidae, and order Odonata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Slender Skimmer?

The slender skimmer ranges widely from Asia to Australia; its green-and-black pattern and perching behaviour aid recognition.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Slender Skimmer?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 2,570 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Jawa Barat, Bali, Yogyakarta. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Slender Skimmer?

Record body or wing pattern, age and sex differences, and the plant or water body where the animal was seen. Leave nests and immature stages intact; one image may not support a certain identification. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Slender Skimmer with Straight-edge Red Parasol, Red Percher, Chalky Percher. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.