Mascarene Island Dragonfly vs Ruddy Darter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mascarene Island Dragonfly | Ruddy Darter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Thalassothemis marchali | Sympetrum sanguineum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm body length | 34-39mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Mauritius, Reunion Island | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Ruddy Darter
A small dragonfly where mature males turn deep blood-red with a distinctly club-shaped abdomen. Females remain golden-yellow. It has entirely black legs unlike similar species.
Did You Know?
Pairs mate in flight, forming a heart-shaped wheel, then the female flicks eggs onto water while still attached to the male.