Red and Blue Damselfly vs Japanese Red Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red and Blue Damselfly | Japanese Red Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthagrion erythroneurum | Sympetrum frequens |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | Body 2.5-3 cm; wingspan 3-4 cm | 35-45 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Australia | East Asia, Japan |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red and Blue Damselfly
A small damselfly where males display striking red and blue coloring. It is one of the most colorful damselflies in Australia.
Did You Know?
Males are most active in late afternoon, often forming mating swarms over water at dusk.
Japanese Red Dragonfly
Known as 'akane' or 'aka-tonbo' in Japanese, this red dragonfly is one of the most iconic insects in Japanese culture. Males turn bright red at maturity. Appears in large numbers in autumn.
Did You Know?
Red dragonflies are so symbolically important in Japan that the children's song 'Aka Tombo' (Red Dragonfly) is known by virtually every Japanese person.