Western Dobsonfly vs Hairy Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Dobsonfly | Hairy Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neohermes californicus | Brachytron pratense |
| Order | Megaloptera | Odonata |
| Family | Corydalidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm wingspan | 54-63mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Western North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Dobsonfly
A large dobsonfly of western North American streams, smaller than its eastern relative. Larvae are top predators under rocks in cool mountain streams.
Did You Know?
Unlike eastern dobsonflies, males of this species lack the enlarged mandibles.
Hairy Dragonfly
The earliest-emerging hawker dragonfly in Europe, with a distinctively hairy thorax. Males have blue and green markings on a dark body. It flies along ditches and reed-fringed waterways.
Did You Know?
It emerges up to two months earlier than other hawkers, giving it exclusive access to spring insect prey.