Black-shouldered Spinyleg vs Kirby's Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-shouldered Spinyleg Kirby's Dropwing
Scientific Name Dromogomphus spinosus Trithemis kirbyi
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Gomphidae Libellulidae
Size 60-70 mm 30-37 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Africa, Asia, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-shouldered Spinyleg

A large, elegant clubtail with distinctive spiny hind legs and black shoulder stripes. It perches conspicuously on rocks and logs along streams.

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Did You Know?

The spiny projections on its hind legs form a basket used to scoop prey out of the air.

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.