Variable Damselfly vs Malagasy Sprite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Damselfly | Malagasy Sprite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coenagrion pulchellum | Pseudagrion malgassicum |
| Order | Odonata | Odonata |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 33-35mm | 30-38 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| 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 Sprite
A delicate damselfly with a slender blue and black body. It is one of the most widespread and adaptable endemic odonates in Madagascar.
Did You Know?
Despite being endemic, it is one of the most ecologically versatile damselflies on the island, thriving even in human-modified wetlands.