Desert Threadtail Damselfly vs Blackburn's Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Desert Threadtail Damselfly Blackburn's Damselfly
Scientific Name Protoneuridae sp. Megalagrion blackburni
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Coenagrionidae
Size 25-35 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Oceania (Hawaii)
Conservation Vulnerable Endangered

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.

Blackburn's Damselfly

A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.

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Did You Know?

Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.