Blue Skimmer vs Australian Emperor Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Skimmer | Australian Emperor Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum caledonicum | Anax papuensis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm | Body 7-8 cm; wingspan 10-11 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand | Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Skimmer
A common Australian dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue pruinescence over their abdomen. Females and young males are brown and yellow.
Did You Know?
The blue coloring of males is not a pigment but a waxy powder that can be rubbed off with a finger.
Australian Emperor Dragonfly
A large, powerful dragonfly with a green thorax and blue-spotted abdomen. It is a strong flier commonly seen patrolling ponds and lakes across Australia.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few dragonfly species to have naturally colonized New Zealand by flying across the Tasman Sea.