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
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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, brown form
  • Female, blue form
    Female, blue form
  • Common bluetails mating
    Common bluetails mating
  • Female wings
    Female wings
  • Male wings
    Male wings

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ischnura heterosticta.
Wikispecies has information related to Ischnura heterosticta.
  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. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. Burmeister, Hermann (1839). Handbuch der Entomologie (in Latin). Vol. 2. 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. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.12903.
  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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