Painted Skimmer vs Churchyard Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Skimmer Churchyard Beetle
Scientific Name Libellula semifasciata Blaps mucronata
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Libellulidae Tenebrionidae
Size 40-47 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Caves
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Painted Skimmer

An attractive dragonfly with amber-tinted wings marked by brown bands and spots. It is an early-season flier in eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the earliest dragonflies to emerge in spring across the eastern United States.

Churchyard Beetle

A large, slow-moving, flightless black beetle often found in cellars and old buildings. It emits a foul odor when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

It was historically considered an omen of death when found inside a house.