Common Bluetail vs Reunion Riverjack

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Bluetail Reunion Riverjack
Scientific Name Ischnura elegans Zygonyx elisabethae
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Libellulidae
Size 27-35 mm 5-7 cm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Reunion
Conservation Least Concern Critically Endangered

Common Bluetail

A small damselfly with a distinctive blue tail-light on segment eight of the abdomen. Females occur in multiple color forms including violet, green, and brown.

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Did You Know?

Females exist in at least five distinct color forms, a level of polymorphism rare among damselflies.

Reunion Riverjack

A large dragonfly endemic to the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean. It patrols waterfalls and fast-flowing mountain streams.

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Did You Know?

Deforestation and damming of Reunion's rivers have severely reduced its available breeding habitat.