Black-tailed Skimmer vs Blackburn's Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-tailed Skimmer | Blackburn's Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum cancellatum | Megalagrion blackburni |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 44-50 mm body length | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Oceania (Hawaii) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
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.
Blackburn's Damselfly
A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.
Did You Know?
Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.