Common Pond Skater vs Black Darter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Pond Skater | Black Darter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquarius najas | Sympetrum danae |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Gerridae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 14-17 mm | 29-34mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.
Black Darter
Britain s smallest dragonfly where mature males become entirely jet black, unique among European dragonflies. Females and immatures are yellow with black markings. It prefers acidic boggy habitats.
Did You Know?
Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.