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
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Ischnura
Species:	I. heterosticta
Binomial name
Ischnura heterosticta (Burmeister, 1842)[2]

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]

Gallery

• 
  Female, brown form
• 
  Female, blue form
• 
  Common bluetails mating
• 
  Female wings
• 
  Male wings