Needlefly vs Southern Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Needlefly | Southern Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Leuctra inermis | Orthetrum brunneum |
| Order | Plecoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Leuctridae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 6-9 mm | 40-47mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Needlefly
A slender stonefly that rolls its wings tightly around its body at rest, resembling a needle. Nymphs shred leaf litter in small streams.
Did You Know?
The tightly rolled wings make the adult appear to have no wings at all when viewed from above.
Southern Skimmer
A robust skimmer dragonfly where males develop a pale powder-blue pruinescence. Females are brown with a pale lateral stripe. It favors warm running water habitats.
Did You Know?
It prefers flowing water over still ponds, which is unusual among skimmer dragonflies.