Japanese Emperor Dragonfly vs Predaceous Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Emperor Dragonfly Predaceous Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Anax parthenope julius Cybister lateralimarginalis
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Aeshnidae Dytiscidae
Size 70-80 mm body length 30-37 mm
Habitat Wetlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea Southern Europe, Africa, Middle East
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Emperor Dragonfly

A large hawker dragonfly and one of the most powerful aerial predators in Japanese wetlands. Known as 'gin-yanma' for its silvery-blue markings. Males patrol territories aggressively over ponds.

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Did You Know?

This dragonfly can fly at speeds exceeding 30 km/h and catch prey in mid-air using its legs as a basket-like scoop.

Predaceous Diving Beetle

A large olive-green diving beetle found across southern Europe and Africa. It is a powerful swimmer that hunts a range of aquatic animals.

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Did You Know?

In some parts of Asia and Africa, large Cybister species are collected and eaten as a traditional food source.