Black-tailed Skimmer vs Hildebrand's Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-tailed Skimmer | Hildebrand's Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum cancellatum | Neodythemis hildebrandti |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 44-50 mm body length | 40-50 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Hildebrand's Dragonfly
A forest-dwelling dragonfly with a dark metallic body and hyaline wings. Males have distinctive blue pruinescence on the abdomen and thorax.
Did You Know?
This genus is far more diverse on Madagascar than on the African mainland, suggesting an ancient radiation on the island.