Silver-spotted Ghost Moth vs Keeled Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silver-spotted Ghost Moth Keeled Skimmer
Scientific Name Sthenopis argenteomaculatus Orthetrum coerulescens
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Hepialidae Libellulidae
Size 60-75 mm wingspan 36-45mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Predators
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silver-spotted Ghost Moth

A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.

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Did You Know?

Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.

Keeled Skimmer

A slender dragonfly where mature males develop a powder-blue abdomen. Females and immature males are yellowish-brown. It flies low over shallow boggy streams and seepages.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland, and its presence suggests good habitat condition.