Azure Damselfly of Azores vs Kirby's Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Azure Damselfly of Azores Kirby's Dropwing
Scientific Name Ischnura hastata Trithemis kirbyi
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Libellulidae
Size 2.5-3 cm 30-37 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Portugal Africa, Asia, Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Azure Damselfly of Azores

On the Azores, this species has evolved the only known all-female population of any odonate. These females reproduce through parthenogenesis.

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Did You Know?

The Azores population is entirely female and reproduces without mating, a phenomenon unique among dragonflies and damselflies.

Kirby's Dropwing

A bright orange-red dragonfly widespread across Africa and into southern Asia. Males have distinctive orange wing bases and red veins.

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Did You Know?

It has recently colonized southern Europe via the Middle East, now breeding in Spain and Italy.