Northern Emerald Dragonfly vs Giant Petaltail Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Emerald Dragonfly Giant Petaltail Dragonfly
Scientific Name Somatochlora arctica Petalura ingentissima
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Petaluridae
Size 48-55 mm body length 85 mm body, 125 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Wetlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Northern Europe, Asia Oceania
Conservation Near Threatened Vulnerable

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.

Giant Petaltail Dragonfly

Australias largest dragonfly and one of the most primitive living species, belonging to a family dating back to the Jurassic period. Larvae live in swamp burrows for years.

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Did You Know?

This dragonfly is a living fossil — its family dates back 150 million years to the Jurassic, and larvae dig burrows in swamps where they may live for over a decade.