Emperor Dragonfly vs Red-faced Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emperor Dragonfly | Red-faced Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax imperator | Orthetrum testaceum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 66-84 mm body, 78 mm wingspan | 42-50 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Emperor Dragonfly
One of the largest dragonflies in Europe. Powerful flier that patrols territories along waterways. Can fly at speeds up to 54 km/h and catch prey mid-flight with near-perfect accuracy.
Did You Know?
Emperor dragonflies have a prey capture success rate of 95% — the highest of any predator on Earth. Lions succeed only 25% of the time.
Red-faced Skimmer
A robust Asian dragonfly where mature males develop a vivid red face and body. Females are brownish-yellow with subtle markings.
Did You Know?
Its bright red face is unique among Orthetrum species, making it instantly recognizable in the field.