Black Darter vs Variable Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black Darter | Variable Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum danae | Coenagrion pulchellum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 29-34mm | 33-35mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
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.
Did You Know?
Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.
Variable Damselfly
A blue damselfly with highly variable black markings, making identification challenging. Males have a distinctive mercury or wine-glass shaped mark on the second abdominal segment. It favors sheltered waters.
Did You Know?
Its abdominal markings are so variable that no two individuals are exactly alike, earning it its common name.