New Zealand Blue Damselfly vs Nigerian Driver Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Blue Damselfly | Nigerian Driver Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrolestes colensonis | Dorylus nigricans |
| Order | Odonata | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lestidae | Dorylidae |
| Size | 35-42 mm | Workers 3-14 mm; queen up to 52 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | West Africa, Central Africa |
| 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.
Nigerian Driver Ant
A large driver ant species with massive soldier caste bearing sickle-shaped mandibles. Raiding columns can stretch over 100 meters.
Did You Know?
Their queens are the largest known ants in the world and can lay up to 4 million eggs per month.