Amazonian Water Scorpion vs Cascade Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Amazonian Water Scorpion | Cascade Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ranatra spp. | Thaumatoneura inopinata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Nepidae | Thaumatoneuridae |
| Size | 30-50 mm including siphon | 55-65 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Throughout South America | Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Amazonian Water Scorpion
A stick-like aquatic bug with an extremely elongated body and long breathing siphon at the rear. It hangs motionless near the surface, ambushing passing prey.
Did You Know?
Despite the common name, it is not a scorpion at all and is completely harmless to humans though it can deliver a mild prick.
Cascade Damselfly
A rare damselfly found only near waterfalls in Central American cloud forests.
Did You Know?
Its larvae develop on wet rocks behind waterfall spray zones.