Eastern Pondhawk vs Congo Basin Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Pondhawk | Congo Basin Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Erythemis simplicicollis | Palpopleura lucia |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 55-63 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm body length |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America, Central America | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, DRC, Senegal, Ivory Coast) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Pondhawk
A robust skimmer dragonfly where mature males are powdery blue and females are vivid green. It is an aggressive predator that ambushes prey from low perches.
Did You Know?
Eastern pondhawks are fierce predators that regularly attack and eat other dragonflies, including species larger than themselves.
Congo Basin Dragonfly
A small but strikingly colored dragonfly with a broad, flattened abdomen. Males are bright blue with black wing markings while females are yellow and brown. It is one of the most abundant dragonflies in West African wetlands.
Did You Know?
Males are highly territorial and will chase away any other dragonfly that enters their small waterside territory.