Ischnura heterosticta

Ischnura heterosticta
Male Ischnura heterosticta
Female Ischnura heterosticta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Superfamily: Coenagrionoidea
Family: Coenagrionidae
Genus: Ischnura
Species: I. heterosticta
Binomial name
Ischnura heterosticta
(Burmeister, 1842)

Ischnura heterosticta, one of at least two species with the common name common bluetail, is a common Australian damselfly of the family Coenagrionidae. It is the largest of the six Ischnura species in Australia.[1] They are generally found near slow-running or still water.[2] The species is also salt tolerant.[3] It flies from October to March.[1]

Description

Female, brown form
Female, blue form
Head of the damselfly

The common bluetail is a small damselfly. Most males have blue eyes, a blue thorax, and a blue ringed tail. The females have a variety of forms including green, brown, black, and a form with very similar colourings to the male.[1][4]

Distribution

In Australia, it is found throughout the entire continent including Tasmania.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Tillyard, R J (1905). "On dimorphism in the female of Ischnura heterosticta, Burm". Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. 30: 302–306.
  2. ↑ "Common Bluetail Damselfly - Ischnura heterosticta". brisbaneinsects.com. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  3. ↑ Kefford, Ben J. (2005-08-22). "Growth of the damselfly Ischnura heterosticta is better in saline water than freshwater" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 30, 2007. Retrieved 2008-12-28.
  4. ↑ "Ischnura heterosticta (Common Bluetail) - Damselfly Photo Gallery". rnr.id.au. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  5. ↑ Theischinger, Gunther; Hawking, John (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood Vic.: CSIRO. p. 92. ISBN 0643090738.
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