American Rubyspot vs Mascarene Spreadwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Rubyspot | Mascarene Spreadwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hetaerina americana | Lestes auripennis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Calopterygidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm | 3.5-4.5 cm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Mauritius, Reunion |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
American Rubyspot
A graceful damselfly with brilliant ruby-red patches at the base of the wings in males. Its metallic red-bronze body gleams in sunlight along stream banks.
Did You Know?
Males aggressively defend stream territories, clashing with rivals by displaying their ruby wing patches.
Mascarene Spreadwing
A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.
Did You Know?
Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.