Lesser Water Boatman vs Common Green Darner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Water Boatman | Common Green Darner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sigara striata | Anax junius |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Corixidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 68-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Water Boatman
A small water boatman with fine dark striations across its forewings. It is among the most abundant aquatic insects in European standing waters. It feeds by scraping algae and organic material from submerged surfaces.
Did You Know?
In Mexico, a related species' eggs are harvested in such quantities from lake surfaces that they are dried and sold as a traditional food called 'ahuautle,' once known as Mexican caviar.
Common Green Darner
A large migratory dragonfly with a green thorax and blue abdomen found across North America. It undertakes multigenerational migrations spanning thousands of kilometers.
Did You Know?
Green darners migrate in swarms of millions from Canada to Mexico each autumn, with the return journey completed by their offspring the following spring.