Japanese Red Dragonfly vs Cobra Clubtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Red Dragonfly | Cobra Clubtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum frequens | Gomphus vastus |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Gomphidae |
| Size | 35-45 mm | 58-68 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Red Dragonfly
Known as 'akane' or 'aka-tonbo' in Japanese, this red dragonfly is one of the most iconic insects in Japanese culture. Males turn bright red at maturity. Appears in large numbers in autumn.
Did You Know?
Red dragonflies are so symbolically important in Japan that the children's song 'Aka Tombo' (Red Dragonfly) is known by virtually every Japanese person.
Cobra Clubtail
A large North American clubtail with a dramatically flared abdomen tip and bold yellow markings. It patrols large rivers and is a powerful, fast flier.
Did You Know?
Its abdomen tip flares out so dramatically that it resembles a cobra's hood, inspiring its common name.