Eastern Forktail vs Blue Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Forktail | Blue Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ischnura verticalis | Orthetrum caledonicum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 21-33 mm | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Forktail
A small damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Young females are bright orange but turn olive-grey with age.
Did You Know?
Young females are striking bright orange, a color they lose completely as they mature.
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.