Giant Hawaiian Darner vs White-legged Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Hawaiian Darner | White-legged Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax strenuus | Platycnemis pennipes |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Platycnemididae |
| Size | 10-13 cm | 32-37 mm body length |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | United States | Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe |
| 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.
White-legged Damselfly
A pale, delicate damselfly with distinctively flattened white legs that the male waves during courtship displays. It prefers slow-flowing rivers and canals.
Did You Know?
Males display their expanded white legs like flags to attract females during courtship.