Keeled Skimmer vs Green Lestes

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Keeled Skimmer Green Lestes
Scientific Name Orthetrum coerulescens Lestes viridis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Lestidae
Size 36-45mm 39-48 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Africa Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland, and its presence suggests good habitat condition.

Green Lestes

A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.

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Did You Know?

Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.