Globe Skimmer vs Southern Hawker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globe Skimmer Southern Hawker
Scientific Name Pantala flavescens Aeshna cyanea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 45-50 mm body 70-76 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
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.

Southern Hawker

A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.

💡

Did You Know?

Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.