Helicopter Dragonfly vs Redcoat Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Helicopter Dragonfly | Redcoat Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mecistogaster linearis | Xanthocnemis zealandica |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Pseudostigmatidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 80 mm body, 100 mm wingspan | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Oceania (New Zealand) |
| 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.
Redcoat Damselfly
A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.
Did You Know?
Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.