Helicopter Dragonfly vs Congo Basin Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Helicopter Dragonfly | Congo Basin Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mecistogaster linearis | Palpopleura lucia |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Pseudostigmatidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 80 mm body, 100 mm wingspan | 25-35 mm body length |
| Habitat | Forests | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, DRC, Senegal, Ivory Coast) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Helicopter Dragonfly
A forest giant damselfly that plucks spiders from their webs while hovering.
Did You Know?
Females oviposit into water-filled bromeliads and tree holes in the canopy.
Congo Basin Dragonfly
A small but strikingly colored dragonfly with a broad, flattened abdomen. Males are bright blue with black wing markings while females are yellow and brown. It is one of the most abundant dragonflies in West African wetlands.
Did You Know?
Males are highly territorial and will chase away any other dragonfly that enters their small waterside territory.