Tawny Emperor vs Small Goldenring

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tawny Emperor Small Goldenring
Scientific Name Asterocampa clyton Cordulegaster trinacriae
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Nymphalidae Cordulegastridae
Size 40-65 mm wingspan 65-74 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern and Central North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Tawny Emperor

A warm tawny-brown butterfly with dark bars and a row of small eyespots on the hindwing. Unlike most butterflies, it rarely visits flowers, preferring tree sap and rotting fruit.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly attracted to human perspiration and will readily land on sweaty hikers.

Small Goldenring

A Mediterranean goldenring dragonfly found in Italy and nearby regions. It is smaller than most goldenrings and inhabits warm lowland streams.

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Did You Know?

Its name refers to Sicily (Trinacria), where it was first scientifically described.