Southern Hawker vs San Francisco Forktail Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Hawker San Francisco Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name Aeshna cyanea Ischnura gemina
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Aeshnidae Coenagrionidae
Size 70-76 mm wingspan 2.5-3 cm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Southern Hawker

A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.

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Did You Know?

Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.

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.

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Did You Know?

This species is nearly identical to the common Pacific forktail and can only be distinguished by close examination.