Desert Firetail Damselfly vs Tau Emerald
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Firetail Damselfly | Tau Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Telebasis salva | Hemicordulia tau |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Corduliidae |
| Size | 25-32 mm | 55-60mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Firetail Damselfly
A bright red damselfly found at ponds and streams in the arid American Southwest. Males are vivid crimson while females are duller brown.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most heat-tolerant damselflies, actively flying in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
Tau Emerald
A metallic emerald-green dragonfly with bright green eyes and a distinctive T-shaped yellow marking on the abdomen. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Australia. Males patrol relentlessly.
Did You Know?
The yellow tau-shaped mark on its abdomen gives it both its scientific and common name.