Austroaeschna multipunctata - Multi-spotted Darner

Male identification: Large very dark red-brown dragonfly with pale yellow markings. Top of thorax has a short cresent either side of anterior centre with two spots at its distal end and a humeral stripe of equally short length. The humeral is followed closely onto the side of the thorax by a bent stripe of similar size then a spot. A number of spots also on the lower thorax. The abdomen has dorsal paired spots in the centre of segments 3,4,5,6,7,and 8. Segment 10 has a large upright pointed cone. Anal appendages long.Small anterodorsal spots on segments 3 and 4, and usually detectable on 5,6 and 7. spots also on lower sides of segments. Two large isolated spots on top of frons, sides of frons pale.Anterior frons unmarked and dark.Upper half of post clypeus pale. Postgenae and occipital triangle black. Femurs red-brown , black at knuckle with tibia.

Female identification: Markings same as male, identified by much thicker abdomen and lack of long superior anal appendages.

Similar species: Extremely similar to A. parvistigma, which differs only in pale anterior frons not dark as with multipunctata, yellow spot at ends of middle and rear femurs, unmarked on multipunctata, and more obvious small anterodorsal spots on abdominal segments 3,4,5,6 and 7. Flavomaculata also similar but has markings bolder and unique elongated dorsal markings of abdomen diagnostic.

Behaviour: Strong flight, sometimes low over creeks but also occasionally hawks down forest rides and tracks.

Distribution: Widespread thoughout mainly hilly areas and lowlands of Victoria, mostly between about 600-1200m.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Ferny creeks and forested gullies with streams.

Status: Moderately common and localised

Flight period: December to April