Ischnura heterosticta

Ischnura heterosticta, one of at least two species with the common name common bluetail,[3] is an Australian damselfly of the family Coenagrionidae.[4] It is the largest of the three Ischnura species in Australia.[5] They are generally found near slow-running or still water.[6] The species is also salt tolerant.[7] It flies from October to March.[5]

Ischnura heterosticta
Male Ischnura heterosticta
Female Ischnura heterosticta

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Coenagrionidae
Genus: Ischnura
Species:
I. heterosticta
Binomial name
Ischnura heterosticta

Description

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.[5]

Distribution

In Australia, Ischnura heterosticta is found throughout the entire continent including Tasmania.[3]

  • Female, brown form
  • Female, blue form
  • Common bluetails mating
  • Female wings
  • Male wings
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References
  1. Dow, R.A. (2017). "Ischnura heterosticta". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T83124880A83377010. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T83124880A83377010.en.
  2. Burmeister, Hermann (1839). Handbuch der Entomologie (in Latin). Berlin: T.C.F. Enslin. pp. 805–862 [820] – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. Theischinger, Gunther; Hawking, John (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood Vic.: CSIRO. p. 96. ISBN 0643090738.
  4. "Species Ischnura heterosticta (Burmeister, 1842)". Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study. 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  5. 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.
  6. "Common Bluetail Damselfly - Ischnura heterosticta". brisbaneinsects.com. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  7. 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.
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