Variable Damselfly vs Blackburn's Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Damselfly | Blackburn's Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coenagrion pulchellum | Megalagrion blackburni |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 33-35mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania (Hawaii) |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Endangered |
Variable Damselfly
A blue damselfly with highly variable black markings, making identification challenging. Males have a distinctive mercury or wine-glass shaped mark on the second abdominal segment. It favors sheltered waters.
Did You Know?
Its abdominal markings are so variable that no two individuals are exactly alike, earning it its common name.
Blackburn's Damselfly
A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.
Did You Know?
Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.