Sparkling Jewelwing vs Giant Petaltail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sparkling Jewelwing Giant Petaltail
Scientific Name Calopteryx xanthostoma Petalura gigantea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Calopterygidae Petaluridae
Size 45-50 mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Africa Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sparkling Jewelwing

A southwestern European demoiselle closely related to the Banded Demoiselle. Males have broad dark wing bands and a distinctive yellow underside to the mouth.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from the Banded Demoiselle by the yellow underside of its lower lip.

Giant Petaltail

One of the largest dragonflies in Australia and a living fossil belonging to the most ancient dragonfly family. Its larvae live in boggy ground rather than open water.

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Did You Know?

Giant petaltails belong to the family Petaluridae, which has fossil records dating back over 150 million years, making them living fossils among dragonflies.