Southern Damselfly vs Neon Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Damselfly Neon Skimmer
Scientific Name Coenagrion mercuriale Libellula croceipennis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Libellulidae
Size 27-31 mm 48-55 mm
Habitat Meadows Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Southern Damselfly

A rare and declining European damselfly with a mercury-symbol-shaped mark on segment two. It is restricted to base-rich shallow streams and water meadows.

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Did You Know?

It is named for the mercury-symbol-shaped black marking on the second segment of the male's abdomen.

Neon Skimmer

A brilliantly red dragonfly of the American Southwest with amber-tinted wings. Males are an intense fluorescent red that seems to glow in sunlight.

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Did You Know?

Its neon-red coloring is so vivid that it appears to fluoresce in bright sunlight.