Sapphire Flutterer vs Blue Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sapphire Flutterer | Blue Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhyothemis triangularis | Orthetrum caledonicum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 30-38mm | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Asia | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sapphire Flutterer
A small dragonfly with sapphire-blue metallic patches on its hindwings. It has a fluttering, butterfly-like flight pattern. Males display their iridescent wings in courtship flights over ponds.
Did You Know?
Its butterfly-like flight and metallic blue wings make it look more like a jeweled butterfly than a dragonfly.
Blue Skimmer
A common Australian dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue pruinescence over their abdomen. Females and young males are brown and yellow.
Did You Know?
The blue coloring of males is not a pigment but a waxy powder that can be rubbed off with a finger.