Blackburn's Damselfly vs Discothyrea Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blackburn's Damselfly Discothyrea Ant
Scientific Name Megalagrion blackburni Discothyrea testacea
Order Odonata Hymenoptera
Family Coenagrionidae Formicidae
Size 30-40 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania (Hawaii) Southern Europe, North Africa
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

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.

Discothyrea Ant

An extremely small and rarely seen ant with only a single-segmented antennal club, unique among ants. It nests deep in soil and rotting wood across southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its single-segment antennal club is found in no other ant genus, making it instantly recognizable to myrmecologists.