The blue ringtail (''Austrolestes annulosus'') is an Australian damselfly. It is found on most of the continent.

Taxonomy

The blue ringtail was first described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1862.

Description

The abdomen is 3 cm long. It can easily be confused with '' Coenagrion lyelli'' or ''

Caliagrion billinghursti ''Caliagrion'' is a monotypic genus of damselfly, damselflies belonging to the family (biology), family Coenagrionidae. The single species of this genus, ''Caliagrion billinghursti'', is commonly known as a large riverdamsel, and is endemic to s ...

'', but can be differentiated through dorsal patterns. They are a thin, medium-sized damselfly with varying coloration, which depends on maturity and temperature. However most are a striking blue with minimal black markings. Females are slightly more robust than males, and have a black and white/pale blue coloration.

Distribution and habitat

It is widely distributed in most of

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

, except for the

northern Northern may refer to the following: Geography * North, a point in direction * Northern Europe, the northern part or region of Europe * Northern Highland, a region of Wisconsin, United States * Northern Province, Sri Lanka * Northern Range, a ra ...

and north-eastern parts. It is active through September to April in still water bodies such as riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary pools.

Gallery

File:Common blue damselfly02.jpg , Male Blue-Ringtail,Austrolestes-annulosus,pair.jpg , Mating pair Austrolestes annulosus female wings (34018161393).jpg , Female wings Austrolestes annulosus male wings (34664755192).jpg , Male wings

References

* {{Taxonbar , from1=Q2151820 Lestidae Insects of Australia Insects described in 1862