Banded Demoiselle vs Keeled Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Banded Demoiselle Keeled Skimmer
Scientific Name Calopteryx splendens Orthetrum coerulescens
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Calopterygidae Libellulidae
Size 45-48 mm wingspan 36-45mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Banded Demoiselle

A striking damselfly with metallic blue-green body and distinctive dark wing patches in males. It frequents slow-flowing rivers and streams across Europe.

💡

Did You Know?

Males perform an elaborate fluttering courtship display flight, hovering in front of females to show off their iridescent wing patches.

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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