Migrant Hawker vs Common Pond Skater
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Migrant Hawker | Common Pond Skater |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aeshna mixta | Aquarius najas |
| Order | Odonata | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Gerridae |
| Size | 56-64 mm wingspan | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Migrant Hawker
A medium-sized hawker dragonfly that has significantly expanded its range northward in Europe. It flies late into autumn, often the last dragonfly seen each year.
Did You Know?
This species often forms large feeding swarms in the autumn, with dozens of individuals hunting together over fields and along hedgerows.
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.