Three-veined Dragonfly vs Giant Petaltail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Three-veined Dragonfly Giant Petaltail
Scientific Name Neodythemis trinervulata Petalura gigantea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Petaluridae
Size 35-45 mm 100-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Madagascar Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Three-veined Dragonfly

A small forest dragonfly with a characteristic three-veined wing pattern that distinguishes it from related species. Males are dark with blue reflections.

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Did You Know?

It is one of several Neodythemis species that are extremely difficult to find due to their preference for deep shade within intact forest.

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.