Mascarene Island Dragonfly vs Banded Groundling

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mascarene Island Dragonfly Banded Groundling
Scientific Name Thalassothemis marchali Brachythemis leucosticta
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 40-50 mm body length 28-35 mm
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Mauritius, Reunion Island Africa
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Mascarene Island Dragonfly

A skimmer dragonfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It patrols ponds and streams in remaining forest habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

Habitat loss from invasive plants has dramatically reduced its breeding sites on both islands.

Banded Groundling

A small, dark African dragonfly with distinctive banded wings. Males develop a pruinose black body while females retain brown coloring.

💡

Did You Know?

It perches flat on bare ground and rocks, using its dark wings as a territorial signal.