Brazilian Treehopper vs Common Spreadwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Treehopper Common Spreadwing
Scientific Name Bocydium globulare Lestes sponsa
Order Hemiptera Odonata
Family Membracidae Lestidae
Size 5-8 mm 35-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brazilian Treehopper

One of the most bizarre insects alive — its helmet has bulbous globular projections resembling a tiny helicopter. The structures may confuse predators about the insects true shape.

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Did You Know?

The treehoppers wild head ornaments are made from a modified pronotum — these structures evolved from wing-like precursors and are unlike anything else in the insect world.

Common Spreadwing

A slender metallic green damselfly that characteristically holds its wings half-open at rest. It is widespread across Europe and northern Asia.

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Did You Know?

Spreadwing damselflies lay their eggs into the stems of plants above the waterline, and the eggs overwinter before hatching when water levels rise in spring.