Red and Blue Damselfly vs Paddle-tailed Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red and Blue Damselfly Paddle-tailed Darner
Scientific Name Xanthagrion erythroneurum Aeshna palmata
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Aeshnidae
Size Body 2.5-3 cm; wingspan 3-4 cm 65-75 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Australia North America
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.

Paddle-tailed Darner

A large, boldly marked darner of western North America with distinctive paddle-shaped cerci. Males have bright blue and green abdominal spots.

💡

Did You Know?

Its uniquely flattened, paddle-shaped cerci are unlike those of any other North American darner.