Black-tailed Skimmer vs Large Red Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-tailed Skimmer | Large Red Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum cancellatum | Pyrrhosoma nymphula |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 44-50 mm body length | 33-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Europe |
| 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.
Large Red Damselfly
One of the first damselflies to emerge each spring in Europe, with a distinctive bright red body and black legs. It is commonly found at garden ponds.
Did You Know?
Large red damselflies are among the earliest odonates to emerge in spring, often appearing as early as April when few other species are flying.