Painted Skimmer vs Southern Hawker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Painted Skimmer Southern Hawker
Scientific Name Libellula semifasciata Aeshna cyanea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 40-47 mm 70-76 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
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.

Southern Hawker

A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.

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Did You Know?

Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.