Downy Emerald vs Common Clubtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downy Emerald Common Clubtail
Scientific Name Cordulia aenea Gomphus vulgatissimus
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Gomphidae
Size 47-53mm 50-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downy Emerald

A metallic green dragonfly with a distinctive downy thorax covered in fine golden hairs. Males patrol tirelessly along woodland lake edges. Its bright green eyes are a key identification feature.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol relentlessly along a fixed beat at the water's edge, often for hours without stopping.

Common Clubtail

A medium-sized dragonfly with a club-shaped abdomen tip and distinctive yellow and black markings. It emerges en masse from rivers in late spring.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dragonflies, clubtails frequently perch on the ground or on flat surfaces rather than hanging from vegetation.