Helicopter Damselfly vs Korean Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helicopter Damselfly Korean Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Megaloprepus caerulatus Laccotrephes japonensis
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Pseudostigmatidae Nepidae
Size 100 mm body, 190 mm wingspan 30-38 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Central America, South America East Asia, Japan/Korea
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Helicopter Damselfly

The largest damselfly in the world with a wingspan approaching 19 centimeters.

💡

Did You Know?

It breeds exclusively in water-filled tree holes high in the forest canopy.

Korean Water Scorpion

A flat, leaf-shaped aquatic predator found in Japan and Korea. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but a true bug with raptorial forelegs. Breathes through a siphon-like tail appendage.

💡

Did You Know?

The long breathing siphon at the rear works like a snorkel, allowing the water scorpion to breathe while remaining submerged and hidden among leaf litter.