Rounded Metalmark vs New Zealand Blue Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rounded Metalmark New Zealand Blue Damselfly
Scientific Name Calephelis perditalis Austrolestes colensonis
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Riodinidae Lestidae
Size 20-26 mm wingspan 35-42 mm
Habitat Forests Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South Texas, northeastern Mexico Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rounded Metalmark

A small reddish-brown metalmark with distinctly rounded wing margins and two rows of metallic silvery spots. It is found in subtropical scrublands near the Mexican border.

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Did You Know?

It is so obscure that some populations were only discovered through targeted surveys of rare habitat in the Rio Grande Valley.

New Zealand Blue Damselfly

New Zealand's most common damselfly, with striking blue and black colouration in males. It is found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout the country. This species is remarkably cold-tolerant for a damselfly.

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Did You Know?

This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.