Damselflies are a Part of the Hawaiian Streamscape

Most damselflies native to Hawai‘i are extinct or nearly so. They are the victims of alien fish that feed on their larvae.

Kaua'i Bog Damselfly at Alaka'i Swamp

The native Kaua'i Bog Damselfly is the most recently discovered Hawaiian damselfly. It is only found at high elevations on the island of Kaua'i.

Blackline Hawaiian Damselfly at Kahalu'u Stream

This native damselfly is found only on O‘ahu where it is quite common. They have unusual eyes - the upper half is brilliant red and the bottom is lime green!

Frosty Hawaiian Damselfly

The Frosty Hawaiian Damselfly is a distinctive pale powder-blue color and is endemic to Kaua'i. It favors waterfalls.

Common Green Darner

This large dragonfly is native to Hawai‘i but easily found elsewhere. It is one of the most common native water insects here.

Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly, Pinau

The Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly is endemic to Hawai‘i and common on main islands. And is the largest dragonfly in the United States.

How to tell a "damsel" from a "dragon."

Dragonflies are bigger and keep their wings in a fixed horizontal position.
Damselflies are more acrobatic and they fold their wings together when resting.
Native dragonflies still thrive and can co-exist with introduced fish. Unlike damselflies, dragonfly larvae become motionless in the presence of predator fish and escape unnoticed.

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