Yellow Dance Fly vs Blue Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Dance Fly | Blue Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empis stercorea | Orthetrum caledonicum |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Empididae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-8 cm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Dance Fly
A medium-sized dance fly with a yellowish body commonly found on spring flowers. Males present prey items as mating gifts. An important pollinator of spring flowers.
Did You Know?
Important early-season pollinators that visit spring flowers while also hunting small insects on them.
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.