Southern Skimmer vs Blackburn's Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Skimmer | Blackburn's Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orthetrum brunneum | Megalagrion blackburni |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 40-47mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Oceania (Hawaii) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Southern Skimmer
A robust skimmer dragonfly where males develop a pale powder-blue pruinescence. Females are brown with a pale lateral stripe. It favors warm running water habitats.
Did You Know?
It prefers flowing water over still ponds, which is unusual among skimmer dragonflies.
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.