Sinuate-winged Damselfly vs Black-tailed Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sinuate-winged Damselfly | Black-tailed Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tatocnemis sinuatipennis | Orthetrum cancellatum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Platycnemididae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 35-42 mm | 44-50 mm body length |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Madagascar | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Sinuate-winged Damselfly
An endemic damselfly with distinctively sinuate or wavy-edged wings, a feature unique among Malagasy odonates. Males have a metallic green thorax and pale blue abdomen.
Did You Know?
The unusual wavy wing shape is found in no other damselfly genus, making Tatocnemis instantly recognizable in the field.
Black-tailed Skimmer
A robust dragonfly with a powder-blue abdomen tipped with black in mature males. It basks flat on bare ground and gravel banks beside open water.
Did You Know?
Unlike most dragonflies, it prefers to rest flat on the ground rather than perching on vegetation.