Scarlet Skimmer vs Blackburn's Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Scarlet Skimmer | Blackburn's Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Crocothemis erythraea | Megalagrion blackburni |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 52-60 mm wingspan | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Oceania (Hawaii) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Scarlet Skimmer
A medium-sized dragonfly where males are entirely vivid scarlet red, including the veins of the wings. It is one of the most recognizable dragonflies in the Old World.
Did You Know?
The scarlet skimmer has been expanding rapidly into northern Europe, establishing breeding populations in countries where it was previously unknown.
Blackburn's Damselfly
A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.
Did You Know?
Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.