Orthetrum brunneum (Fonscolombe, 1837)

A relatively small species, with abdomen 30 mm in length. It features sexual dimorphism: males are pale blue-gray and females ochre-brown. The pterostigma is relatively (if compared to other Orthetrum) small and brown colored. Males have a pale blue face and a completely blue thorax. The 8th abdominal segment in females is ventrally stretched.

It flies from May to September.

Its habitat is usually with ditches, creeks, meadows, shallow small lakes or canals with scarcely vegetated banks.

This is a widespread species in the Palearctic, with two subspecies: O. b. brunneum in the continent and O. b. cycnos in Corsica and Sardinia. It is expanding its range northwards. Sometimes there are abundant populations in suitable areas in the plain or hills in the Cuneo region.