Water Springtail vs Widow Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Springtail | Widow Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Podura aquatica | Libellula luctuosa |
| Order | Collembola | Odonata |
| Family | Poduridae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 1-1.5 mm | 60-68 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Water Springtail
A distinctive dark-colored springtail found on the surface of still freshwater. It is the only species in its family and forms dense aggregations.
Did You Know?
It can walk on water using surface tension and its water-repellent cuticle.
Widow Skimmer
A distinctive dragonfly with broad dark wing patches at the base and white bands beyond them in mature males. Females and young males lack the white bands.
Did You Know?
The widow skimmer gets its somber common name from the dark mourning-veil-like patches on the wings of females.