Aquatic Crane Fly vs Desert Firetail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Aquatic Crane Fly Desert Firetail Damselfly
Scientific Name Antocha saxicola Telebasis salva
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Limoniidae Coenagrionidae
Size 5-8 mm 25-32 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Aquatic Crane Fly

A small crane fly whose larvae build silken cases on submerged rocks in fast-flowing streams. Larvae are true aquatic inhabitants rather than semi-terrestrial.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are among the few crane flies that are fully aquatic throughout development, never leaving the water.

Desert Firetail Damselfly

A bright red damselfly found at ponds and streams in the arid American Southwest. Males are vivid crimson while females are duller brown.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most heat-tolerant damselflies, actively flying in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.