Hawaiian Damselfly vs Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Silvestris)
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hawaiian Damselfly | Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Silvestris) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megalagrion hawaiiense | Drosophila silvestris |
| Order | Odonata | Diptera |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Drosophilidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Hawaii | Oceania (Hawaii - Big Island) |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Endangered |
Hawaiian Damselfly
An endemic Hawaiian damselfly with red or orange coloring found near streams. It breeds in flowing water in native forest streams.
Did You Know?
Hawaii's damselflies evolved to breed in unusual habitats including tree holes and leaf axils.
Hawaiian Picture-wing Fly (Silvestris)
A Hawaiian picture-wing fly closely related to D. heteroneura but with a normally shaped head. It is found in wet forests on Hawaii Island. This species and D. heteroneura are a classic study system for understanding speciation in progress.
Did You Know?
D. silvestris and D. heteroneura can hybridize in the lab, providing key insights into how new species form through sexual selection.