Orange-bellied Skimmer vs Banded Groundling

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Orange-bellied Skimmer Banded Groundling
Scientific Name Libellula jesseana Brachythemis leucosticta
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 4-5 cm 28-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions United States, Canada Africa
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Orange-bellied Skimmer

A rare North American dragonfly found in acidic bog ponds and fens. It is extremely localized across scattered populations in northeastern states.

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Did You Know?

It breeds only in very specific acidic water conditions that are becoming increasingly rare.

Banded Groundling

A small, dark African dragonfly with distinctive banded wings. Males develop a pruinose black body while females retain brown coloring.

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Did You Know?

It perches flat on bare ground and rocks, using its dark wings as a territorial signal.