Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly vs Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly | Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megalagrion xanthomelas | Megalagrion nesiotes |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 32-38 mm | 25-32 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (Hawaii) | Oceania (Hawaii - Oahu) |
| Conservation | Endangered | Endangered |
Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly
A strikingly coloured Hawaiian damselfly with orange and black markings. It was once widespread in lowland wetlands but has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and introduced predators. It breeds in anchialine pools and slow streams.
Did You Know?
This damselfly breeds in anchialine pools - unique coastal ponds with underground connections to the ocean, found along Hawaiian lava shorelines.
Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly
An endemic Hawaiian damselfly found in wet forests, notable for breeding in water-filled leaf axils of native plants rather than streams. It is a small, delicate species. The terrestrial breeding habit is unique among Hawaiian damselflies.
Did You Know?
Unlike most damselflies, this species lays its eggs in the tiny pools of water that collect in the leaf bases of plants, bypassing the need for streams entirely.