Giant Petaltail Dragonfly vs Scarlet Percher
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Petaltail Dragonfly | Scarlet Percher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Petalura ingentissima | Diplacodes haematodes |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Petaluridae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 85 mm body, 125 mm wingspan | Body 3-4 cm; wingspan 5-6 cm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Oceania | Australia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Giant Petaltail Dragonfly
Australias largest dragonfly and one of the most primitive living species, belonging to a family dating back to the Jurassic period. Larvae live in swamp burrows for years.
Did You Know?
This dragonfly is a living fossil — its family dates back 150 million years to the Jurassic, and larvae dig burrows in swamps where they may live for over a decade.
Scarlet Percher
A brilliant scarlet-red dragonfly found across northern and inland Australia. Males are among the most vividly colored dragonflies on the continent.
Did You Know?
It is a nomadic species that rapidly colonizes temporary pools formed after heavy rain in arid regions.