Desert Threadtail Damselfly vs Banded Demoiselle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Threadtail Damselfly Banded Demoiselle
Scientific Name Protoneuridae sp. Calopteryx splendens
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Calopterygidae
Size 25-35 mm 45-48 mm wingspan
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Desert Threadtail Damselfly

A tiny, thread-thin damselfly found near desert springs and oases. It has one of the most restricted habitats of any dragonfly, depending on permanent desert water.

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Did You Know?

Some desert threadtails exist in populations of fewer than 100 individuals at a single spring.

Banded Demoiselle

A striking damselfly with metallic blue-green body and distinctive dark wing patches in males. It frequents slow-flowing rivers and streams across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Males perform an elaborate fluttering courtship display flight, hovering in front of females to show off their iridescent wing patches.