New Zealand Blue Damselfly vs Convolvulus Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Blue Damselfly | Convolvulus Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrolestes colensonis | Agrius convolvuli |
| Order | Odonata | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Lestidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 35-42 mm | 80-120 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Convolvulus Hawk-moth
A powerful migrant hawk-moth with a streamlined grey body and pink-banded abdomen. It possesses an extraordinarily long proboscis for feeding from deep tubular flowers.
Did You Know?
Its proboscis can exceed 10 cm in length, allowing it to reach nectar in the deepest trumpet-shaped flowers.