Southern Skimmer vs Daintree Ringtail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Skimmer Daintree Ringtail Damselfly
Scientific Name Orthetrum brunneum Austrolestes psyche
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Lestidae
Size 40-47mm Body 3-4 cm; wingspan 4-5 cm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

It prefers flowing water over still ponds, which is unusual among skimmer dragonflies.

Daintree Ringtail Damselfly

A slender metallic green damselfly found near rainforest streams in north Queensland. It rests with wings spread at an angle, unlike most damselflies.

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Did You Know?

Its species name psyche comes from the Greek word for soul or butterfly, referencing its delicate beauty.