Provence Short-tailed Blue vs Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Provence Short-tailed Blue Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly
Scientific Name Cupido alcetas Phaon iridipennis
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Lycaenidae Calopterygidae
Size 22-28 mm wingspan 40-50 mm body length
Habitat Grasslands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central and southern Europe East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Provence Short-tailed Blue

One of Europe's smallest butterflies with violet-blue males and dark brown females. It lacks the tail projection of its close relative the short-tailed blue.

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Did You Know?

Males gather in large puddle clubs on damp ground to drink mineral-rich water.

Emerald-spotted Flatwing Damselfly

A stunning damselfly with metallic green and blue body and broad, iridescent wings with emerald spots. Males display by opening and closing their wings to attract females along streams.

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Did You Know?

Males perform elaborate courtship displays, hovering in front of females while slowly fanning their iridescent wings to catch the sunlight.