Redcoat Damselfly vs Malabar Flower Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Redcoat Damselfly Malabar Flower Mantis
Scientific Name Xanthocnemis zealandica Creobroter meleagris
Order Odonata Mantodea
Family Coenagrionidae Hymenopodidae
Size 28-36 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) India
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.

Malabar Flower Mantis

A beautifully marked flower mantis from southern India with speckled wings. It is commonly found in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

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Did You Know?

Its species name 'meleagris' means guinea fowl, referring to the speckled pattern on its wings.