Blue Dasher vs Redcoat Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Dasher | Redcoat Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pachydiplax longipennis | Xanthocnemis zealandica |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 52-58 mm wingspan | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Blue Dasher
A medium-sized dragonfly with a powdery blue abdomen and metallic green eyes in males. It is one of the most common dragonflies in North America.
Did You Know?
Blue dashers adopt a distinctive obelisk posture in hot weather, pointing their abdomen straight up at the sun to minimize heat absorption.
Redcoat Damselfly
A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.
Did You Know?
Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.