Widow Skimmer vs Predatory Thrips
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Widow Skimmer | Predatory Thrips |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Libellula luctuosa | Aeolothrips intermedius |
| Order | Odonata | Thysanoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Aeolothripidae |
| Size | 60-68 mm wingspan | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Predatory Thrips
A beneficial predatory thrips that feeds on spider mites, other thrips, and small insects. It has distinctive banded wings and is valued in biological control.
Did You Know?
This thrips is one of the few species in the order that is considered beneficial, as it preys on pest mites and other thrips.