Globe Skimmer vs Violet Copper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Globe Skimmer | Violet Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pantala flavescens | Lycaena helle |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 45-50 mm body | 24-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Worldwide (tropical and subtropical) | Northern and central Europe, Siberia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Violet Copper
A tiny butterfly whose males display a vivid violet-purple sheen over coppery-orange wings. It is one of Europe's rarest and most localised coppers.
Did You Know?
It is so rare in western Europe that individual colonies receive specific conservation management plans.