Common Darter vs Yellow-spotted Tree Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Darter | Yellow-spotted Tree Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum striolatum | Platycypha caligata |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Chlorocyphidae |
| Size | 35-44 mm body length | 3-4 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe | East Africa, Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
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.
Yellow-spotted Tree Damselfly
A colorful damselfly from African forest streams with males showing bright red and white leg flags. Males wave their colorful legs to attract females.
Did You Know?
Males perform elaborate leg-flagging displays, lifting their brightly colored tibiae to signal to females.