African Bombardier Beetle vs Keeled Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Bombardier Beetle Keeled Skimmer
Scientific Name Stenaptinus insignis Orthetrum coerulescens
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Carabidae Libellulidae
Size 15-20 mm 36-45mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Bombardier Beetle

A large, brightly colored bombardier beetle found across sub-Saharan Africa. Its yellow and dark-blue markings serve as warning coloration.

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Did You Know?

It can fire its chemical spray up to 20 times in rapid succession before depleting its reserves.

Keeled Skimmer

A slender dragonfly where mature males develop a powder-blue abdomen. Females and immature males are yellowish-brown. It flies low over shallow boggy streams and seepages.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland, and its presence suggests good habitat condition.