Keeled Skimmer vs Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Keeled Skimmer | Twelve-Spotted Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum coerulescens | Libellula pulchella |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 36-45mm | 65-75 mm wingspan |
| 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.
Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
A showy dragonfly with three dark spots on each wing, totaling twelve. Mature males develop additional white spots between the dark ones.
Did You Know?
Despite the name twelve-spotted, mature males actually have 24 wing markings when the white pruinose spots are included.