The metallic ringtail (''Austrolestes cingulatus'') is an Australian
damselfly
Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies, which constitute the other odonatan suborder, Anisoptera, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along ...
in the family
Lestidae
The Lestidae are a rather small family of cosmopolitan, large-sized, slender damselflies,
known commonly as the spreadwings or spread-winged damselflies.
Characteristics
While most damselflies rest with their wings folded together, most member ...
,
It is widely distributed in
Tasmania
)
, nickname =
, image_map = Tasmania in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Tasmania in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdi ...
,
Victoria
Victoria most commonly refers to:
* Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia
* Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada
* Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory
* Victoria, Seychelle ...
and eastern
New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
.
It is a thin, medium-sized damselfly with a green and gold or bluish green and gold coloration. Each
abdominal segment is marked by a pale "ring"; this, combined with its glossy
metallic color
A metallic color is a color that appears to be that of a polished metal. The visual sensation usually associated with metals is its metallic shine. This cannot be reproduced by a simple solid color, because the shiny effect is due to the mater ...
ation, give it its
common name
In biology, a common name of a taxon or organism (also known as a vernacular name, English name, colloquial name, country name, popular name, or farmer's name) is a name that is based on the normal language of everyday life; and is often contrast ...
of metallic ringtail.
It is active through October to March in still-water bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and alpine bogs, being usually found amongst vegetation.
Gallery
Metallic Ringtail, Austrolestes cingulatus, mating pair.jpg , Mating pair
Austrolestes cingulatus female wings (33984749394).jpg , Female wings
Austrolestes cingulatus male wings (33984754004).jpg , Male wings
See also
*
List of Odonata species of Australia
This is a list of species of damselflies and dragonflies recorded in Australia.
Common names of species are linked, beside their scientific names.
The list is split into two groups: damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) and other dragonflies (infr ...
References
{{Taxonbar , from=Q1908497
Lestidae
Insects of Australia
Endemic fauna of Australia
Insects described in 1839