Giant Petaltail vs Canada Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Petaltail Canada Darner
Scientific Name Petalura gigantea Aeshna canadensis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Petaluridae Aeshnidae
Size 100-110 mm wingspan 62-72 mm
Habitat Underground Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Petaltail

One of the largest dragonflies in Australia and a living fossil belonging to the most ancient dragonfly family. Its larvae live in boggy ground rather than open water.

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Did You Know?

Giant petaltails belong to the family Petaluridae, which has fossil records dating back over 150 million years, making them living fossils among dragonflies.

Canada Darner

A common large darner of northeastern North America with blue and green markings. Its notched thoracic stripes help distinguish it from similar species.

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Did You Know?

Its thoracic side stripes have a distinctive notch that separates it from the very similar Lake Darner.