Variable Damselfly vs Violet Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Damselfly | Violet Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coenagrion pulchellum | Carabus violaceus |
| Order | Odonata | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 33-35mm | 20-35mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| 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.
Violet Ground Beetle
A large black beetle with violet or purple margins on its elytra and thorax. It is nocturnal and hides under logs and stones during the day.
Did You Know?
When threatened, it releases a foul-smelling liquid from its abdomen to deter predators.