Blackburn's Damselfly vs Ancient Greenling

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blackburn's Damselfly Ancient Greenling
Scientific Name Megalagrion blackburni Hemiphlebia mirabilis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Hemiphlebiidae
Size 30-40 mm 20-25 mm
Habitat Forests Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Oceania (Hawaii) Oceania
Conservation Endangered Endangered

Blackburn's Damselfly

A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.

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Did You Know?

Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.

Ancient Greenling

The sole surviving member of one of the most ancient damselfly families on Earth.

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Did You Know?

It is considered a living fossil and the most phylogenetically isolated odonate alive.