Southern Skimmer vs Large Gold Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Skimmer Large Gold Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Orthetrum brunneum Staphylinus caesareus
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Libellulidae Staphylinidae
Size 40-47mm 17-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Europe, Western Asia
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.

Large Gold Rove Beetle

A large and handsome rove beetle with golden pubescence on its thorax and bright orange abdominal bands. It is an aggressive predator of carrion-feeding insects.

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Did You Know?

Its species name caesareus means imperial, referring to its regal golden markings.