Cretan Hawker vs Widow Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cretan Hawker | Widow Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boyeria cretensis | Libellula luctuosa |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 60-70 mm body | 60-68 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Mountains | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Crete, Greece | North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Cretan Hawker
A dragonfly endemic to the island of Crete, found only along a few shaded mountain streams. One of Europe's most range-restricted dragonflies. Threatened by water extraction.
Did You Know?
Found nowhere else on Earth except a few mountain streams on the island of Crete.
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.