Canada Darner vs San Francisco Forktail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Canada Darner San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name Aeshna canadensis Ischnura gemina
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Coenagrionidae
Size 62-72 mm 2.5-3 cm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions North America United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Canada Darner

A common large darner of northeastern North America with blue and green markings. Its notched thoracic stripes help distinguish it from similar species.

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Did You Know?

Its thoracic side stripes have a distinctive notch that separates it from the very similar Lake Darner.

San Francisco Forktail Damselfly

A tiny damselfly restricted to a few freshwater ponds near the San Francisco Bay coast. It is threatened by urban encroachment and invasive plants.

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Did You Know?

This species is nearly identical to the common Pacific forktail and can only be distinguished by close examination.