''Ischnura heterosticta'', one of at least two species with the

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 ...

common bluetail, 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 ...

of the family

Coenagrionidae The insect family Coenagrionidae is placed in the order Odonata and the suborder Zygoptera. The Zygoptera are the damselflies, which although less known than the dragonflies, are no less common. More than 1,300 species are in this family, making i ...

. It is the largest of the three ''

Ischnura ''Ischnura'' is a genus of damselfly, damselflies known as forktails (or sometimes bluetails) in the family Coenagrionidae. Forktails are distributed worldwide, including various oceanic islands. The males have a forked projection at the tip of t ...

'' species in Australia. They are generally found near slow-running or still water. The species is also salt tolerant. It flies from October to March.

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.

Distribution

In Australia, ''Ischnura heterosticta'' is found throughout the entire continent including

Tasmania ) , nickname = , image_map = Tasmania in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Tasmania in AustraliaCoordinates: , subdivision_type = Country , subdi ...

Gallery

Sydney dragonfly Victoria Park pond 2.jpg, Female, brown form Ischnura_heterosticta02.jpg, Female, blue form Common bluetail 3388-9.jpg, Common bluetails mating Ischnura heterosticta female wings (33985085664).jpg , Female wings Ischnura heterosticta male wings (33985088354).jpg , Male wings

References

{{Taxonbar , from=Q1869358 Ischnura Odonata of Australia Insects of Australia Taxa named by Hermann Burmeister Insects described in 1842 Damselflies