Blue Skimmer vs Scarlet Percher
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Skimmer | Scarlet Percher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum caledonicum | Diplacodes haematodes |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm | Body 3-4 cm; wingspan 5-6 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand | Australia, Southeast Asia, 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.
Scarlet Percher
A brilliant scarlet-red dragonfly found across northern and inland Australia. Males are among the most vividly colored dragonflies on the continent.
Did You Know?
It is a nomadic species that rapidly colonizes temporary pools formed after heavy rain in arid regions.