Blue Skimmer vs Slaty Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Skimmer | Slaty Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum caledonicum | Libellula incesta |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm | 45-52 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand | North America |
| 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.
Slaty Skimmer
A dark, slate-blue dragonfly of eastern North America. Mature males are uniformly dark blue-black, making them distinctive at ponds.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few North American dragonflies where males are almost entirely dark blue-black.