Blackburn's Damselfly vs Mascarene Spreadwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blackburn's Damselfly Mascarene Spreadwing
Scientific Name Megalagrion blackburni Lestes auripennis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Lestidae
Size 30-40 mm 3.5-4.5 cm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania (Hawaii) Mauritius, Reunion
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.

Mascarene Spreadwing

A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.