Variable Damselfly vs Malagasy Flatwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Damselfly | Malagasy Flatwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coenagrion pulchellum | Platycnemis malgassica |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Platycnemididae |
| Size | 33-35mm | 32-40 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
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.
Malagasy Flatwing
A slender damselfly with expanded white tibiae on the middle and hind legs, used in courtship displays. Males have a pale blue body with dark dorsal markings.
Did You Know?
Males wave their flattened white legs during courtship flights to attract females, creating a flickering visual display.