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

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. 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.