Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly vs Russet-tipped Clubtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly Russet-tipped Clubtail
Scientific Name Megalagrion xanthomelas Stylurus plagiatus
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Gomphidae
Size 32-38 mm 50-58 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Oceania (Hawaii) North America, Central America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

This damselfly breeds in anchialine pools - unique coastal ponds with underground connections to the ocean, found along Hawaiian lava shorelines.

Russet-tipped Clubtail

A handsome clubtail with orange-brown wingtips and a distinctly widened club-shaped abdomen. It flies late in the season along rivers in the southern US.

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Did You Know?

Its distinctly orange-russet wingtips are unique among North American clubtails.