White-faced Darter vs Downy Emerald

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-faced Darter Downy Emerald
Scientific Name Leucorrhinia dubia Cordulia aenea
Order Odonata Odonata
Family Libellulidae Corduliidae
Size 33-37mm 47-53mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

White-faced Darter

A small dragonfly with a distinctive white face and red markings on a dark body. It is a specialist of acidic bog pools with Sphagnum moss. Males hover over pools displaying their white face.

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Did You Know?

It is so dependent on intact peatland bogs that its presence indicates a healthy, undrained peat ecosystem.

Downy Emerald

A metallic green dragonfly with a distinctive downy thorax covered in fine golden hairs. Males patrol tirelessly along woodland lake edges. Its bright green eyes are a key identification feature.

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Did You Know?

Males patrol relentlessly along a fixed beat at the water's edge, often for hours without stopping.