Globe Skimmer vs Common Jumping Bristletail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globe Skimmer Common Jumping Bristletail
Scientific Name Pantala flavescens Petrobius maritimus
Order Odonata Archaeognatha
Family Libellulidae Machilidae
Size 45-50 mm body 10-13 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide (tropical and subtropical) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Globe Skimmer

Holds the record for the longest insect migration — crossing the Indian Ocean from India to East Africa, a journey of over 14,000 km across multiple generations.

💡

Did You Know?

The globe skimmer dragonfly makes the longest over-water migration of any insect — flying 14,000-18,000 km across the Indian Ocean, aided by seasonal monsoon winds.

Common Jumping Bristletail

A coastal bristletail found on rocky shores throughout Europe. It has a distinctive arched body shape and large compound eyes.

💡

Did You Know?

It can jump up to 30 centimeters by flexing its abdomen against the ground.