Common Blue Damselfly vs Mascarene Spreadwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Blue Damselfly | Mascarene Spreadwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Enallagma cyathigerum | Lestes auripennis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 29-36 mm body | 3.5-4.5 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | Mauritius, Reunion |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Common Blue Damselfly
One of the most widespread damselflies. Males are sky blue with black markings. Forms mating wheels — a unique heart-shaped position during copulation.
Did You Know?
Damselflies form a unique heart shape when mating — the male grasps the female behind her head, and she curls her abdomen forward to meet his reproductive organs.
Mascarene Spreadwing
A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.
Did You Know?
Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.