Calico Pennant vs Japanese Emperor Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Calico Pennant Japanese Emperor Dragonfly
Scientific Name Celithemis elisa Anax parthenope julius
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 28-37mm 70-80 mm body length
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions North America East Asia, Japan/Korea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Calico Pennant

A small dragonfly with triangular red or yellow wing spots creating a calico pattern. Males have red body and wing markings while females have yellow. It perches delicately on vegetation tips.

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Did You Know?

Its patterned wings inspired its 'calico' name, resembling the printed cotton fabric of the same name.

Japanese Emperor Dragonfly

A large hawker dragonfly and one of the most powerful aerial predators in Japanese wetlands. Known as 'gin-yanma' for its silvery-blue markings. Males patrol territories aggressively over ponds.

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Did You Know?

This dragonfly can fly at speeds exceeding 30 km/h and catch prey in mid-air using its legs as a basket-like scoop.