New Zealand Blue Damselfly vs Brazilian Angel Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Blue Damselfly | Brazilian Angel Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrolestes colensonis | Zorotypus brasiliensis |
| Order | Odonata | Zoraptera |
| Family | Lestidae | Zorotypidae |
| Size | 35-42 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
New Zealand Blue Damselfly
New Zealand's most common damselfly, with striking blue and black colouration in males. It is found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout the country. This species is remarkably cold-tolerant for a damselfly.
Did You Know?
This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.
Brazilian Angel Insect
A zorapteran from the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. It forms colonies of up to 120 individuals under the bark of fallen trees.
Did You Know?
Zoraptera is one of the least species-rich insect orders with fewer than 50 known species worldwide.