Common Hawker vs Mascarene Spreadwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Hawker Mascarene Spreadwing
Scientific Name Aeshna juncea Lestes auripennis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Lestidae
Size 65-80 mm 3.5-4.5 cm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Mauritius, Reunion
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Common Hawker

A large, dark brown hawker dragonfly with blue and yellow spots. It favors upland and moorland habitats across the Northern Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the hardiest dragonflies, flying in cool upland conditions where few other species venture.

Mascarene Spreadwing

A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.