Scarce Chaser vs Pacific Spiketail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarce Chaser Pacific Spiketail
Scientific Name Libellula fulva Cordulegaster dorsalis
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Cordulegastridae
Size 55-60 mm wingspan 65-75 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarce Chaser

A medium-sized dragonfly where mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. It is associated with clean, slow-flowing rivers with abundant marginal vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the scarce chaser has become increasingly common in parts of Europe as water quality in rivers has improved.

Pacific Spiketail

The only spiketail dragonfly on the Pacific coast of North America. It has a dark brown body with yellow dorsal spots and patrols shaded forest seepages.

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Did You Know?

It is the only spiketail species found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.