Northern Emerald Dragonfly vs Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Emerald Dragonfly Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly
Scientific Name Somatochlora arctica Ischnura pumilio
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Corduliidae Coenagrionidae
Size 48-55 mm body length 26-31 mm body length
Habitat Heathland Wetlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Northern Europe, Asia Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
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.

Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly

One of Europe's smallest damselflies, with a black body and a single blue segment near the tail tip. Females come in a remarkable variety of colour forms.

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Did You Know?

It specialises in colonising new and temporary water bodies that other dragonflies avoid.