Painted Skimmer vs Red-veined Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Skimmer Red-veined Darter
Scientific Name Libellula semifasciata Sympetrum fonscolombii
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 40-47 mm 33-40mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions North America Europe, Africa, Asia
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.

Red-veined Darter

A striking darter dragonfly with red veins on the leading edge of the wings and a vivid blue underside to the eyes. Males are bright red while females are yellowish. It is a strong migrant.

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Did You Know?

It breeds in temporary pools and can complete its larval development in as little as two months.