Brilliant Emerald vs Giant Petaltail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brilliant Emerald Giant Petaltail
Scientific Name Somatochlora metallica Petalura gigantea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Petaluridae
Size 50-55mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Brilliant Emerald

A metallic green dragonfly with brilliant emerald green eyes. Males patrol low over sheltered lakes and woodland pools. Its thorax is covered with fine golden-green hairs.

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Did You Know?

Its entire body shimmers with metallic green iridescence, making it one of Europe's most beautiful dragonflies.

Giant Petaltail

One of the largest dragonflies in Australia and a living fossil belonging to the most ancient dragonfly family. Its larvae live in boggy ground rather than open water.

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Did You Know?

Giant petaltails belong to the family Petaluridae, which has fossil records dating back over 150 million years, making them living fossils among dragonflies.