Violet Dropwing vs Creeping Water Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Violet Dropwing Creeping Water Bug
Scientific Name Trithemis annulata Ilyocoris cimicoides
Order Odonata Hemiptera
Family Libellulidae Naucoridae
Size 32-38 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia Europe
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Creeping Water Bug

A robust aquatic bug that crawls along pond bottoms and delivers a painful bite.

💡

Did You Know?

Its forelegs are powerfully built raptorial limbs for seizing prey.