Rambur's Forktail vs Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rambur's Forktail | Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ischnura ramburii | Corydalus cornutus |
| Order | Odonata | Neuroptera |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 26-36 mm | 40-55 mm body, 125 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rambur's Forktail
A widespread New World damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Females come in orange, olive, and male-mimic color forms.
Did You Know?
It tolerates brackish and even slightly saline water, unlike most freshwater damselflies.
Dobsonfly
Large insects with intimidating mandibles in males that are actually too large to bite effectively. Aquatic hellgrammite larvae are prized as fishing bait and indicate clean water.
Did You Know?
Male dobsonflies have terrifying mandibles up to 40 mm long, but they are so large the males cannot actually generate enough force to pinch — the females bite harder.