Diplacodes melanopsis - Black-faced Percher

Male identification: Red flattened abdomen with three distinct lines of spots along the mid-dorsal line and sides of the abdomen. Slight yellow bases to hind-wings. Black eyes and face.

Female identification: Brownish-orange abdomen with distinct spots along the mid-dorsal line. Dark eyes. Pale mid-dorsal line on thorax extending down between both sets of wings.

Similar species: Male similar to D. bipunctata, which differs in having reddish eyes, red face and only one distinct line of spots running up the mid-dorsal line (smaller spots on the sides of the abdomen). Similar to A. nigrescens which differs by having pairs of dagger-shaped forward-pointing black marks on the abdomen. Females almost identical to both D. haematodes and D. melanopsis females.

Behaviour: Relatively quick often flying sorties from perch positions on the top of grass stems.

Distribution: A lowland species generally occurring below 600m. Recorded throughout eastern and southern Victoria

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Small well-vegetated swamps with bankside cover

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: October to February