Congo Basin Dragonfly vs Demoiselle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Congo Basin Dragonfly | Demoiselle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Palpopleura lucia | Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm body length | 45-48 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, DRC, Senegal, Ivory Coast) | Europe, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Congo Basin Dragonfly
A small but strikingly colored dragonfly with a broad, flattened abdomen. Males are bright blue with black wing markings while females are yellow and brown. It is one of the most abundant dragonflies in West African wetlands.
Did You Know?
Males are highly territorial and will chase away any other dragonfly that enters their small waterside territory.
Demoiselle
A Mediterranean damselfly with deeply pigmented wings and metallic body coloration.
Did You Know?
Males defend stream territories and perform dramatic wing-clapping courtship flights.