Giant Hawaiian Darner vs American Moth-Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Hawaiian Darner | American Moth-Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax strenuus | Macrosoma heliconiaria |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Hedylidae |
| Size | 10-13 cm | 38-45 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | United States | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Giant Hawaiian Darner
The largest dragonfly in the United States, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It patrols forest streams and pools in native montane forest.
Did You Know?
Ancient Hawaiians called it the 'pinao' and considered it a guardian spirit of fresh water.
American Moth-Butterfly
Pale greenish-gray moth-like butterfly with rounded wings and nocturnal habits. Represents the evolutionary link between butterflies and moths.
Did You Know?
Despite looking like moths, DNA evidence confirms hedylids are true butterflies within Papilionoidea.