Blue-fronted Dancer vs Red Helen

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-fronted Dancer Red Helen
Scientific Name Argia apicalis Papilio helenus
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Coenagrionidae Papilionidae
Size 28-38 mm 110-140 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue-fronted Dancer

A robust damselfly with vivid blue coloring found in eastern North America. It prefers streams and rivers rather than still water.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most pond damselflies, dancers are adapted to flowing water and perch on streamside rocks.

Red Helen

A large, elegant swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by large creamy-white patches on the hindwings and red crescents along the hindwing margin. It has a slow, sailing flight.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar has an osmeterium, a bright orange forked organ behind the head that releases a foul smell to deter predators.