Keeled Skimmer vs Mascarene Island Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Keeled Skimmer Mascarene Island Dragonfly
Scientific Name Orthetrum coerulescens Thalassothemis marchali
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 36-45mm 40-50 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa Mauritius, Reunion Island
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

Mascarene Island Dragonfly

A skimmer dragonfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It patrols ponds and streams in remaining forest habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

Habitat loss from invasive plants has dramatically reduced its breeding sites on both islands.