Black-tailed Skimmer vs Wandering Desert Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-tailed Skimmer | Wandering Desert Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum cancellatum | Eremiaphila cerisyi |
| Order | Odonata | Mantodea |
| Family | Libellulidae | Eremiaphilidae |
| Size | 44-50 mm body length | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Africa, Middle East |
| 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.
Wandering Desert Mantis
A tiny, wingless praying mantis that runs across desert sand like a spider. Its flattened, sand-colored body provides excellent camouflage.
Did You Know?
Unlike most mantises, it is a ground-running predator that chases down prey rather than ambushing it.