Norfolk Damselfly vs American Sand Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Norfolk Damselfly American Sand Mayfly
Scientific Name Coenagrion armatum Dolania americana
Order Odonata Ephemeroptera
Family Coenagrionidae Behningiidae
Size 28-32 mm 10-15 mm body
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Norfolk Damselfly

A critically rare damselfly once found in the Norfolk Broads of England, now extinct in Britain. Small populations persist in Scandinavia and eastern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It went extinct in Britain in the 1950s and has not been seen there since despite extensive surveys.

American Sand Mayfly

Holds the record for the shortest adult lifespan of any insect — females live less than five minutes as adults, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying.

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Did You Know?

Female Dolania americana mayflies live less than five minutes as adults — they emerge, mate, lay eggs, and die faster than most people take a coffee break.