San Francisco Forktail Damselfly vs Green Chironomid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | San Francisco Forktail Damselfly | Green Chironomid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ischnura gemina | Tanytarsus pallidicornis |
| Order | Odonata | Diptera |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Chironomidae |
| Size | 2.5-3 cm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | United States | Europe |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
A tiny damselfly restricted to a few freshwater ponds near the San Francisco Bay coast. It is threatened by urban encroachment and invasive plants.
Did You Know?
This species is nearly identical to the common Pacific forktail and can only be distinguished by close examination.
Green Chironomid
A small greenish midge common in clean flowing water habitats. Larvae build portable silk tubes attached to stone surfaces.
Did You Know?
Males form dense aerial mating swarms at dusk that resemble rising columns of smoke above waterways.