Green Lestes vs Banded Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Lestes Banded Antlion
Scientific Name Lestes viridis Glenurus gratus
Order Odonata Neuroptera
Family Lestidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 39-48 mm body length 55-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Lestes

A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.

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Did You Know?

Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.

Banded Antlion

A North American antlion with distinctive banded wing patterns. Commonly attracted to porch lights on warm summer evenings.

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Did You Know?

Unlike classic antlions, its larvae are ambush predators that hunt without constructing sand pits.