Hemiphlebia mirabilis - Ancient Greenling

Male identification: A small inconspicuous damselfly and the only Victorian species that is almost all green. Readily separated from all other species by unique white anal appendages, white occipital triangle and white clypeus. Also has two dark bands across the upper half of each eye.

Female identification: Similar to male but lacks the white anal appendages.

Similar species: In size and habitat, most likely to be confused with female I. heterosticta or other similar-sized Coenagrions.

Behaviour: Often reluctant to fly, it remains inconspicuously hidden in vegetation; its small size and green colouration providing suitable camouflage.

Distribution: A species considered rare, localised and poor at dispersing. Hangs on at known sites such as Cotters Lake, Wilsons Promontory, as well as some sites in the Goulburn River valley near Yea.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Clumps of vegetation in on the margins of billabongs with good water quality and an abundance of floating and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Status: Rare and localised.

Flight period: December-January