Aldabra Giant Dragonfly vs Black-tailed Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Aldabra Giant Dragonfly | Black-tailed Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemianax ephippiger | Orthetrum cancellatum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 60-70 mm body; 90 mm wingspan | 44-50 mm body length |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Aldabra, Seychelles, Indian Ocean | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Aldabra Giant Dragonfly
A powerful migratory dragonfly found on Aldabra Atoll and across the Indian Ocean region. It undertakes long-distance flights over open ocean.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few dragonflies known to cross entire oceans during migration.
Black-tailed Skimmer
A robust dragonfly with a powder-blue abdomen tipped with black in mature males. It basks flat on bare ground and gravel banks beside open water.
Did You Know?
Unlike most dragonflies, it prefers to rest flat on the ground rather than perching on vegetation.