Ischnura heterosticta explained

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

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.^[4]

Distribution

In Australia, Ischnura heterosticta is found throughout the entire continent including Tasmania.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Ischnura heterosticta (Burmeister, 1842). 2012. Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study. 8 April 2017.
2. Web site: Common Bluetail Damselfly - Ischnura heterosticta. brisbaneinsects.com. 26 August 2015.
3. Web site: Growth of the damselfly Ischnura heterosticta is better in saline water than freshwater . Kefford . Ben J. . 2005-08-22 . 2008-12-28 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070830173619/http://www.wqonline.info/Documents/Journal_Keffordetal2006.pdf . August 30, 2007 .
4. On dimorphism in the female of Ischnura heterosticta, Burm. R J. Tillyard. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. 30. 302–306. 1905. 10.5962/bhl.part.12903.
5. Book: Theischinger . Gunther . Hawking . John . 2006 . The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia . Collingwood Vic. . CSIRO . 96 . 0643090738.