Globe Skimmer vs Wandering Glider

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globe Skimmer Wandering Glider
Scientific Name Pantala flavescens Pantala hymenaea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 45-50 mm body 46-52mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Farmland
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Worldwide (tropical and subtropical) North America, South America, Asia
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.

Wandering Glider

A medium-sized dragonfly with broad hindwings and a yellowish body. It spends almost its entire life on the wing, rarely perching. It breeds in temporary rain pools.

💡

Did You Know?

It can develop from egg to adult in as little as 38 days, one of the fastest development times of any dragonfly.