Violet Dropwing vs Hildebrand's Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Violet Dropwing Hildebrand's Dragonfly
Scientific Name Trithemis annulata Neodythemis hildebrandti
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Libellulidae
Size 32-38 mm 40-50 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Europe, Asia Madagascar
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.

Hildebrand's Dragonfly

A forest-dwelling dragonfly with a dark metallic body and hyaline wings. Males have distinctive blue pruinescence on the abdomen and thorax.

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Did You Know?

This genus is far more diverse on Madagascar than on the African mainland, suggesting an ancient radiation on the island.