Austroaeschna parvistigma - Swamp Darner

Male identification: Large very dark red-brown dragonfly with pale yellow markings. Top of thorax has has a short cresent either side of centre with two spots at the 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 and a spot A number of spots also on lower thorax. The abdomen has dorsal paired spots on segments 3,4,5,6,7 and 8. Small anterodorsal spots obvious on segments 3,4,5,6 and 7. Spots also on lower sides of segments. Segment 10 has a low rounded dorsal cone. Anal appendages long. Two large isolated spots on top of frons, sides of frons pale. Anterior edge of frons pale Connecting the pale sides. Post genae and occipital triangle black. Upper half of post clypeus pale. Postgenae and occipital triangle black. Distal half of femur dark with a prominant yellow spot at end of middle and rear femurs.

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

Similar species: Extremely similar to multipunctata but identified by its pale anterior frons and yellow spot on femur. These same features also separate it from flavomaculata which has a diagnostic dorsal abdominal patterning and is more strongly marked.

Behaviour: No information at present

Distribution: Appears to be widely distributed in mainly lowland areas of Victoria, less than 400m altitude.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Described as preferring sluggish waters in open habitats.

Status: Uncommon and widespread

Flight period: December to February