Keeled Skimmer vs Giant Water Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Keeled Skimmer | Giant Water Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum coerulescens | Lethocerus americanus |
| Order | Odonata | Hemiptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Belostomatidae |
| Size | 36-45mm | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Africa | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Keeled Skimmer
A slender dragonfly where mature males develop a powder-blue abdomen. Females and immature males are yellowish-brown. It flies low over shallow boggy streams and seepages.
Did You Know?
It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland, and its presence suggests good habitat condition.
Giant Water Bug
One of the largest true bugs. Powerful predator that catches fish, frogs, and even small snakes. Males carry eggs on their backs until hatching. Known as "toe-biters."
Did You Know?
Giant water bugs are devoted fathers — males carry up to 100 eggs on their backs for weeks, regularly doing push-ups at the water surface to keep eggs oxygenated.