Globe Skimmer vs Ebony Jewelwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globe Skimmer Ebony Jewelwing
Scientific Name Pantala flavescens Calopteryx maculata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Calopterygidae
Size 45-50 mm body 39-57 mm body
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide (tropical and subtropical) 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.

Ebony Jewelwing

A stunning damselfly with entirely jet-black wings (males) or smoky wings with white spots (females). Males perform a courtship display by opening and closing their dark wings.

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Did You Know?

Male ebony jewelwings perform a butterfly-like courtship dance, slowly fluttering their dramatic black wings to catch sunlight and impress females perched on streamside vegetation.