Violet Dropwing vs Cabbage Looper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Violet Dropwing Cabbage Looper
Scientific Name Trithemis annulata Trichoplusia ni
Order Odonata Lepidoptera
Family Libellulidae Noctuidae
Size 32-38 mm 33-38 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia North America, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Violet Dropwing

A stunning dragonfly where mature males turn deep violet-purple with red wing veins. It is expanding its range northward into southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has colonized southern Europe from Africa and continues to spread north as temperatures warm.

Cabbage Looper

A pale green caterpillar that moves in a distinctive looping motion and feeds on brassica crops. The adult moth has a silvery figure-eight marking on each forewing.

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Did You Know?

It was the first insect to develop resistance to the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis in greenhouse settings.