Common Darter vs Southern Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Darter | Southern Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum striolatum | Coenagrion mercuriale |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 35-44 mm body length | 27-31 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Meadows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Common Darter
Europe's most abundant dragonfly, with mature males turning bright orange-red. It is often the last dragonfly flying in autumn, sometimes into November.
Did You Know?
Mating pairs lay eggs by repeatedly dipping the female's abdomen into the water while flying in tandem.
Southern Damselfly
A rare and declining European damselfly with a mercury-symbol-shaped mark on segment two. It is restricted to base-rich shallow streams and water meadows.
Did You Know?
It is named for the mercury-symbol-shaped black marking on the second segment of the male's abdomen.