Salt and Pepper Microcaddis vs New Zealand Blue Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Salt and Pepper Microcaddis New Zealand Blue Damselfly
Scientific Name Agraylea multipunctata Austrolestes colensonis
Order Trichoptera Odonata
Family Hydroptilidae Lestidae
Size 3-4.5 mm body 35-42 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Salt and Pepper Microcaddis

A very small caddisfly with speckled wings found in algae-rich ponds and lakes across North America. Larvae build tiny purse-shaped cases. One of the smallest caddisfly species.

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Did You Know?

Builds one of the smallest insect cases known, a tiny purse-shaped structure barely visible to the naked eye.

New Zealand Blue Damselfly

New Zealand's most common damselfly, with striking blue and black colouration in males. It is found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout the country. This species is remarkably cold-tolerant for a damselfly.

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Did You Know?

This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.