Mountain Dance Fly vs Giant Hawaiian Darner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Dance Fly | Giant Hawaiian Darner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empis pennipes | Anax strenuus |
| Order | Diptera | Odonata |
| Family | Empididae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 10-13 cm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Alps, Scandinavia | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Mountain Dance Fly
A predatory fly with feathery leg fringes used in aerial mating displays. Males offer prey gifts wrapped in silk to females during courtship.
Did You Know?
Males with the most elaborate feathered legs are preferred by females during mating swarms.
Giant Hawaiian Darner
The largest dragonfly in the United States, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It patrols forest streams and pools in native montane forest.
Did You Know?
Ancient Hawaiians called it the 'pinao' and considered it a guardian spirit of fresh water.