Orange-bellied Skimmer vs Common Clubtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Orange-bellied Skimmer Common Clubtail
Scientific Name Libellula jesseana Gomphus vulgatissimus
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Gomphidae
Size 4-5 cm 50-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions United States, Canada Europe
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.

Common Clubtail

A medium-sized dragonfly with a club-shaped abdomen tip and distinctive yellow and black markings. It emerges en masse from rivers in late spring.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dragonflies, clubtails frequently perch on the ground or on flat surfaces rather than hanging from vegetation.