Southern Damselfly vs Selika Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Damselfly Selika Dropwing
Scientific Name Coenagrion mercuriale Trithemis selika
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae Libellulidae
Size 27-31 mm 35-45 mm
Habitat Meadows Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Africa Madagascar
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Southern Damselfly

A rare and declining European damselfly with a mercury-symbol-shaped mark on segment two. It is restricted to base-rich shallow streams and water meadows.

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Did You Know?

It is named for the mercury-symbol-shaped black marking on the second segment of the male's abdomen.

Selika Dropwing

A robust dragonfly with crimson to dark red coloration in mature males and brown in females. It perches conspicuously on waterside vegetation with wings held forward.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies in Madagascar, even found in urban parks and garden ponds in Antananarivo.