Relict Himalayan Dragonfly vs Io Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Relict Himalayan Dragonfly Io Moth
Scientific Name Epiophlebia laidlawi Automeris io
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Epiophlebiidae Saturniidae
Size 5-6 cm 63-88 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Meadows
Diet Predators Predators
Regions India, Nepal, Bhutan North America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Relict Himalayan Dragonfly

A living fossil dragonfly from the Himalayas that retains features of both dragonflies and damselflies. It breeds in cold mountain streams above 1800 m.

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Did You Know?

Its family dates back to the Jurassic period, making it one of the most primitive living dragonflies.

Io Moth

Named after Io from Greek mythology. Hindwings display large eyespots that flash open to startle predators. Caterpillars are covered in urticating spines that cause a painful sting.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, the Io moth suddenly flashes open its hindwings to reveal two enormous eyespots — the sudden appearance of "eyes" startles predators into backing off.