Broad Scarlet vs New Zealand Blue Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad Scarlet | New Zealand Blue Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Crocothemis servilia | Austrolestes colensonis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 38-45mm | 35-42 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Asia, Oceania | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Broad Scarlet
A robust dragonfly where males are brilliant scarlet-red with a broad flattened abdomen. Females are olive-brown. It is one of the most common dragonflies across tropical Asia.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first dragonflies to colonize new water bodies, sometimes arriving within days of a pond being dug.
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.