Green Lestes vs Japanese Narrow-Winged Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Green Lestes | Japanese Narrow-Winged Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lestes viridis | Mnais costalis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Lestidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 39-48 mm body length | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Green Lestes
A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.
Did You Know?
Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.
Japanese Narrow-Winged Damselfly
A beautiful damselfly endemic to Japan, known as 'niko-nico-kawatombou.' Males come in two forms: orange-winged territorial males and clear-winged sneaker males. Found along clean forest streams.
Did You Know?
The two male forms represent an evolutionary stable strategy: orange-winged males defend territories while clear-winged males sneak matings by mimicking females.