Long-tailed Dance Fly vs Keeled Skimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Dance Fly | Keeled Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhamphomyia longicauda | Orthetrum coerulescens |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Empididae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 36-45mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.
Keeled Skimmer
A slender dragonfly where mature males develop a powder-blue abdomen. Females and immature males are yellowish-brown. It flies low over shallow boggy streams and seepages.
Did You Know?
It is an indicator species for high-quality wet heathland, and its presence suggests good habitat condition.