Giant Petaltail Dragonfly vs Filigree Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Petaltail Dragonfly Filigree Skimmer
Scientific Name Petalura ingentissima Pseudoleon superbus
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Petaluridae Libellulidae
Size 85 mm body, 125 mm wingspan 42-48 mm
Habitat Wetlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Oceania North America
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Giant Petaltail Dragonfly

Australias largest dragonfly and one of the most primitive living species, belonging to a family dating back to the Jurassic period. Larvae live in swamp burrows for years.

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Did You Know?

This dragonfly is a living fossil — its family dates back 150 million years to the Jurassic, and larvae dig burrows in swamps where they may live for over a decade.

Filigree Skimmer

A dragonfly with ornate banded wing patterns and arid habitat preferences.

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Did You Know?

It is one of few dragonfly species found in extremely arid desert environments.