Spotted Diving Beetle vs Blue Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spotted Diving Beetle | Blue Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Graphoderus cinereus | Orthetrum caledonicum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Dytiscidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 13-16 mm | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Spotted Diving Beetle
A medium-sized diving beetle with distinctive mottled brown and cream patterning. It inhabits clean, well-vegetated ponds and lakes across Europe.
Did You Know?
Its camouflage pattern makes it almost invisible against the mottled bottom of weedy ponds.
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.