Ruddy Darter vs Slaty Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ruddy Darter | Slaty Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum sanguineum | Libellula incesta |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 34-39mm | 45-52 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ruddy Darter
A small dragonfly where mature males turn deep blood-red with a distinctly club-shaped abdomen. Females remain golden-yellow. It has entirely black legs unlike similar species.
Did You Know?
Pairs mate in flight, forming a heart-shaped wheel, then the female flicks eggs onto water while still attached to the male.
Slaty Skimmer
A dark, slate-blue dragonfly of eastern North America. Mature males are uniformly dark blue-black, making them distinctive at ponds.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few North American dragonflies where males are almost entirely dark blue-black.