Large Red Damselfly vs Vagrant Emperor

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Red Damselfly Vagrant Emperor
Scientific Name Pyrrhosoma nymphula Anax ephippiger
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Aeshnidae
Size 33-36 mm wingspan 60-70 mm
Habitat Gardens Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Red Damselfly

One of the first damselflies to emerge each spring in Europe, with a distinctive bright red body and black legs. It is commonly found at garden ponds.

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Did You Know?

Large red damselflies are among the earliest odonates to emerge in spring, often appearing as early as April when few other species are flying.

Vagrant Emperor

A nomadic dragonfly that wanders vast distances across Africa, Europe, and Asia. It has a sandy-brown body with a distinctive blue saddle marking on the abdomen.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most migratory dragonflies, regularly crossing the Sahara Desert and reaching northern Europe.