Orange-bellied Skimmer vs Rosy Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Orange-bellied Skimmer Rosy Underwing
Scientific Name Libellula jesseana Catocala electa
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Libellulidae Erebidae
Size 4-5 cm 65-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions United States, Canada Central and southern Europe, temperate Asia
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.

Rosy Underwing

A large moth with camouflaged grey-brown forewings hiding vivid rosy-pink and black hindwings. When disturbed, the flash of pink confuses predators as it drops from its perch.

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Did You Know?

Like all underwing moths, it uses a startle display, flashing its bright hindwings then vanishing as it re-covers them.