Zela Metalmark vs Relict Himalayan Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zela Metalmark Relict Himalayan Dragonfly
Scientific Name Emesis zela Epiophlebia laidlawi
Order Lepidoptera Odonata
Family Riodinidae Epiophlebiidae
Size 25-30 mm wingspan 5-6 cm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico India, Nepal, Bhutan
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Zela Metalmark

A small butterfly with rust-brown wings marked with fine dark lines and subtle metallic scaling. It inhabits mountain canyons in the borderlands of Arizona and Mexico.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of the target species for butterfly watchers visiting the famous canyons of southeastern Arizona.

Relict Himalayan Dragonfly

A living fossil dragonfly from the Himalayas that retains features of both dragonflies and damselflies. It breeds in cold mountain streams above 1800 m.

💡

Did You Know?

Its family dates back to the Jurassic period, making it one of the most primitive living dragonflies.