This large dragonfly is native to Hawai'i but easily found elsewhere. It is one of the most common native water insects here. The Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly is endemic to Hawai'i and common on main islands. And is the largest dragonfly in the United States. 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.