Swamp Darner vs Small Milkweed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swamp Darner | Small Milkweed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austroaeschna parvistigma | Lygaeus kalmii |
| Order | Odonata | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | Body 5-6 cm; wingspan 7-8 cm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Australia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swamp Darner
A medium-sized brown and blue darner dragonfly found along shaded creeks in southeastern Australia. It has small stigmata on the wings, giving it its scientific name.
Did You Know?
Males patrol low along creeks in deep shade, a behavior unusual among dragonflies that typically prefer sun.
Small Milkweed Bug
A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.
Did You Know?
It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.