Bladetail vs New Zealand Blue Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bladetail | New Zealand Blue Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lindenia tetraphylla | Austrolestes colensonis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Gomphidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 55-65 mm | 35-42 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Bladetail
A large gomphid dragonfly with leaf-shaped abdominal expansions at the tail.
Did You Know?
It has declined dramatically due to loss of large natural lakes in the Mediterranean.
New Zealand Blue Damselfly
New Zealand's most common damselfly, with striking blue and black colouration in males. It is found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout the country. This species is remarkably cold-tolerant for a damselfly.
Did You Know?
This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.