Red-faced Skimmer vs San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-faced Skimmer | San Francisco Forktail Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum testaceum | Ischnura gemina |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 42-50 mm | 2.5-3 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Asia | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Red-faced Skimmer
A robust Asian dragonfly where mature males develop a vivid red face and body. Females are brownish-yellow with subtle markings.
Did You Know?
Its bright red face is unique among Orthetrum species, making it instantly recognizable in the field.
San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
A tiny damselfly restricted to a few freshwater ponds near the San Francisco Bay coast. It is threatened by urban encroachment and invasive plants.
Did You Know?
This species is nearly identical to the common Pacific forktail and can only be distinguished by close examination.