Common Rustic vs Small Red Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Rustic | Small Red Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mesapamea secalis | Ceriagrion tenellum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Noctuidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 26-34 mm wingspan | 25-35mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Common Rustic
A highly variable common moth that forms a species complex with the Lesser Common Rustic. External appearance is unreliable for identification. Larvae feed inside grass stems.
Did You Know?
So similar to its sibling species that they were not recognized as separate species until 1983.
Small Red Damselfly
A delicate damselfly where males are almost entirely red, a rare color for damselflies. Females come in several color forms. It is a weak flier that stays close to waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
It is one of the only genuinely red damselflies in Europe, with males displaying a vivid scarlet color.