Delta-spotted Spiketail vs Lance-tipped Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Delta-spotted Spiketail Lance-tipped Darner
Scientific Name Cordulegaster diastatops Aeshna constricta
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Cordulegastridae Aeshnidae
Size 70-78 mm 65-74 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Delta-spotted Spiketail

A large spiketail of eastern North America with distinctive triangular yellow spots along its dark abdomen. It patrols forest streams with a slow, deliberate flight.

💡

Did You Know?

The triangular or delta-shaped abdominal spots give this impressive spiketail its common name.

Lance-tipped Darner

A large brown darner with blue spots common in eastern North America. It is a late-season flier, active well into autumn.

💡

Did You Know?

Its name refers to the lance-shaped cerci (tail appendages) used by males to grasp females during mating.