Twin-spotted Spiketail vs Paddle-tailed Darner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twin-spotted Spiketail | Paddle-tailed Darner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cordulegaster maculata | Aeshna palmata |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Cordulegastridae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 68-78 mm | 65-75 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Twin-spotted Spiketail
A large, dark brown spiketail with paired yellow spots on each abdominal segment. It is the most common spiketail in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Its larvae lie partially buried in stream-bottom leaf litter and ambush passing prey.
Paddle-tailed Darner
A large, boldly marked darner of western North America with distinctive paddle-shaped cerci. Males have bright blue and green abdominal spots.
Did You Know?
Its uniquely flattened, paddle-shaped cerci are unlike those of any other North American darner.