Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly vs Giant Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly | Giant Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phaon iridipennis | Pteronarcys californica |
| Order | Odonata | Plecoptera |
| Family | Calopterygidae | Pteronarcyidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm body length | 30-50 mm body |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda) | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly
A stunning damselfly with metallic green and blue body and broad, iridescent wings with emerald spots. Males display by opening and closing their wings to attract females along streams.
Did You Know?
Males perform elaborate courtship displays, hovering in front of females while slowly fanning their iridescent wings to catch the sunlight.
Giant Stonefly
Large aquatic insects whose nymphs require pristine, cold, oxygen-rich streams. Adults are poor fliers and stay near water. Important food source for trout.
Did You Know?
Stonefly nymphs are so sensitive to water pollution that their presence is used by scientists as a living indicator of water quality — no stoneflies means polluted water.