Red-veined Darter vs Mascarene Spreadwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-veined Darter | Mascarene Spreadwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum fonscolombii | Lestes auripennis |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 33-40mm | 3.5-4.5 cm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa, Asia | Mauritius, Reunion |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Red-veined Darter
A striking darter dragonfly with red veins on the leading edge of the wings and a vivid blue underside to the eyes. Males are bright red while females are yellowish. It is a strong migrant.
Did You Know?
It breeds in temporary pools and can complete its larval development in as little as two months.
Mascarene Spreadwing
A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.
Did You Know?
Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.