Lesser Emperor vs Dicromantispa Mantidfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Emperor Dicromantispa Mantidfly
Scientific Name Anax parthenope Dicromantispa sayi
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Aeshnidae Mantispidae
Size 62-75 mm body length 18-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, Central Europe, Western Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Emperor

A large dragonfly with a brownish thorax and distinctive blue saddle at the base of its abdomen. It is a strong migrant expanding northward through Europe.

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Did You Know?

Females lay eggs while flying in tandem with the male over open water.

Dicromantispa Mantidfly

A brown mantidfly found across eastern North America in forested habitats. Named after the eminent entomologist Thomas Say.

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Did You Know?

Females lay thousands of eggs on stalks, but only larvae that find spider egg sacs survive.