Globe Skimmer vs Dicromantispa Mantidfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globe Skimmer Dicromantispa Mantidfly
Scientific Name Pantala flavescens Dicromantispa sayi
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Libellulidae Mantispidae
Size 45-50 mm body 18-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide (tropical and subtropical) Eastern North America
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.

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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.

Dicromantispa Mantidfly

A brown mantidfly found across eastern North America in forested habitats. Named after the eminent entomologist Thomas Say.

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Did You Know?

Females lay thousands of eggs on stalks, but only larvae that find spider egg sacs survive.