Small Red Damselfly vs Blue Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Red Damselfly | Blue Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ceriagrion tenellum | Orthetrum caledonicum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 25-35mm | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Africa | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Small Red Damselfly
A delicate damselfly where males are almost entirely red, a rare color for damselflies. Females come in several color forms. It is a weak flier that stays close to waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
It is one of the only genuinely red damselflies in Europe, with males displaying a vivid scarlet color.
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.