Australian Emerald vs Black Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Emerald Black Darter
Scientific Name Hemicordulia australiae Sympetrum danae
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Libellulidae
Size Body 4-5 cm; wingspan 6-7 cm 29-34mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Australia, New Zealand Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Emerald

A metallic green-eyed dragonfly common near ponds and slow streams across Australia. It hovers sentrylike over water, earning its alternate name of Sentry Dragonfly.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the Sentry Dragonfly because it hovers motionless over water for extended periods.

Black Darter

Britain s smallest dragonfly where mature males become entirely jet black, unique among European dragonflies. Females and immatures are yellow with black markings. It prefers acidic boggy habitats.

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Did You Know?

Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.