Downy Leatherwing vs Golden-Ringed Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Downy Leatherwing | Golden-Ringed Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Podabrus tomentosus | Cordulegaster boltonii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Cantharidae | Cordulegastridae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 76-84 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Downy Leatherwing
A North American soldier beetle covered in fine pubescence, found on flowers and foliage in summer. It is an effective predator of aphids and other small insects.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are active predators in leaf litter and can even survive brief periods of freezing temperatures.
Golden-Ringed Dragonfly
The longest dragonfly in Britain, adorned with bold black and yellow rings along its body. Females have a conspicuous ovipositor used to inject eggs into stream beds.
Did You Know?
The larvae of golden-ringed dragonflies live buried in stream sediment for up to five years before emerging as adults, ambushing prey from their sandy hideouts.