Acraea Butterfly vs Small Red Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Acraea Butterfly | Small Red Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acraea acerata | Ceriagrion tenellum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 45-60 mm wingspan | 25-35mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi) | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Acraea Butterfly
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent orange wings and dark veins, giving it a delicate, window-like appearance. It is toxic and part of a large mimicry ring in East Africa.
Did You Know?
It is a significant pest of sweet potato crops in East Africa, with larvae sometimes completely defoliating plants.
Small Red Damselfly
A delicate damselfly where males are almost entirely red, a rare color for damselflies. Females come in several color forms. It is a weak flier that stays close to waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
It is one of the only genuinely red damselflies in Europe, with males displaying a vivid scarlet color.