Migrant Hawker vs Desert Threadtail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Migrant Hawker Desert Threadtail Damselfly
Scientific Name Aeshna mixta Protoneuridae sp.
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Coenagrionidae
Size 56-64 mm wingspan 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Migrant Hawker

A medium-sized hawker dragonfly that has significantly expanded its range northward in Europe. It flies late into autumn, often the last dragonfly seen each year.

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Did You Know?

This species often forms large feeding swarms in the autumn, with dozens of individuals hunting together over fields and along hedgerows.

Desert Threadtail Damselfly

A tiny, thread-thin damselfly found near desert springs and oases. It has one of the most restricted habitats of any dragonfly, depending on permanent desert water.

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Did You Know?

Some desert threadtails exist in populations of fewer than 100 individuals at a single spring.