Bush Giant Dragonfly vs Sinuate-winged Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bush Giant Dragonfly | Sinuate-winged Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Uropetala carovei | Tatocnemis sinuatipennis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Petaluridae | Platycnemididae |
| Size | 80-90 mm body length, 130 mm wingspan | 35-42 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Bush Giant Dragonfly
New Zealand's largest dragonfly and one of the most ancient dragonfly lineages in the world. Its larvae live in burrows in muddy seepages in native bush for several years. Adults patrol forest clearings and can be heard before they are seen due to their loud wing noise.
Did You Know?
The larvae dig burrows in muddy hillsides and ambush prey from the entrance, spending up to seven years underground before emerging as adults.
Sinuate-winged Damselfly
An endemic damselfly with distinctively sinuate or wavy-edged wings, a feature unique among Malagasy odonates. Males have a metallic green thorax and pale blue abdomen.
Did You Know?
The unusual wavy wing shape is found in no other damselfly genus, making Tatocnemis instantly recognizable in the field.