Violet Dropwing vs Common Green Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Violet Dropwing Common Green Darner
Scientific Name Trithemis annulata Anax junius
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Aeshnidae
Size 32-38 mm 68-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Common Green Darner

A large migratory dragonfly with a green thorax and blue abdomen found across North America. It undertakes multigenerational migrations spanning thousands of kilometers.

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Did You Know?

Green darners migrate in swarms of millions from Canada to Mexico each autumn, with the return journey completed by their offspring the following spring.