Red and blue damsel explained

The red and blue damsel (Xanthagrion erythroneurum) is a damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae.^[1] It is the only member of the monotypic genus Xanthagrion.^{[2] [3]}

Description

The face and thorax are bright red.^[4] The abdomen is pale in colour^[4] and 2.2-2.4 cm long. The female and male are similar in colour.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

The red and blue damsel is widespread across all Australian states,^[5] as well as Fiji, New Caledonia, and other islands in the Pacific.^[6] It is found in north and eastern Tasmania. It is typically found near dams, marshes and slow watercourses.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Xanthagrion erythroneurum (Selys, 1876). 2012. Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study. 3 April 2017.
2. Web site: Genus Xanthagrion Selys, 1876. 2012. Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study. 3 April 2017.
3. Web site: Xanthagrion (Genus). July 17, 2009. ZipcodeZoo.com. 2009-07-25. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120609213346/http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Animalia/Xanthagrion_Genus.asp. June 9, 2012.
4. Web site: Red and Blue Damselfly - Xanthagrion erythroneurum. Brisbane Insects. 2009-07-25.
5. Book: Daley, Elizabeth. Wings: An introduction to Tasmania's winged insects. Riffles Pty Ltd. 2007.
6. Book: The Australian Dragonflies: A Guide to the Identification, Distributions and Habitats of Australian Odonata. Watson. J.A.L.. Theischinger. G.. Abbey. H.M.. CSIRO. 1991. 978-0643051362. Melbourne.