Springfly vs Southern Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Springfly Southern Skimmer
Scientific Name Isoperla signata Orthetrum brunneum
Order Plecoptera Odonata
Family Perlodidae Libellulidae
Size 9-13 mm 40-47mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Springfly

A spring-emerging stonefly of fast-flowing European streams. Nymphs are active hunters that pursue prey among streambed gravels.

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Did You Know?

Males locate females by producing species-specific vibrations that travel through the substrate.

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.