Northern Emerald Dragonfly vs Black-winged Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Emerald Dragonfly Black-winged Damselfly
Scientific Name Somatochlora arctica Calopteryx atrata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Calopterygidae
Size 48-55 mm body length 55-68mm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Northern Europe, Asia Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Northern Emerald Dragonfly

A rare dragonfly of northern bogs and moorland pools. Has brilliant emerald-green eyes and a bronzy-green body. One of the most northerly-ranging dragonfly species.

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Did You Know?

One of the few dragonfly species adapted to breed in acidic bog pools with very low nutrient levels.

Black-winged Damselfly

A large damselfly where males have entirely black iridescent wings with a metallic blue-green body. Females have dark smoky-brown wings. It inhabits clean streams in East Asia.

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Did You Know?

In Japan it is called 'haguro-tonbo' (black-winged dragonfly) and is considered a symbol of good fortune.