Common Bluetail vs Scarce Chaser
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Bluetail | Scarce Chaser |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ischnura elegans | Libellula fulva |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 27-35 mm | 55-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Females exist in at least five distinct color forms, a level of polymorphism rare among damselflies.
Scarce Chaser
A medium-sized dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. It is associated with clean, slow-flowing rivers with abundant marginal vegetation.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, the scarce chaser has become increasingly common in parts of Europe as water quality in rivers has improved.