Redcoat Damselfly vs Asian Clubtail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Redcoat Damselfly Asian Clubtail
Scientific Name Xanthocnemis zealandica Asiagomphus melaenops
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Gomphidae
Size 28-36 mm 45-52 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Redcoat Damselfly

A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.

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Did You Know?

Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.

Asian Clubtail

A medium-sized clubtail dragonfly found in clean streams across East Asia. Males have distinctive yellow and black body markings with a widened abdomen tip.

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Did You Know?

It is sensitive to water pollution and serves as an indicator of good stream water quality in Japan.