Ischnura heterosticta - Common Bluetail

Male identification: Medium-sized coenagrion. Strikingly blue and black with a mostly dark, unringed abdomen except at its very base and the distinct blue tail tip. Distinct unbroken lateral blue markings on thorax, blue antehumeral stripe and two obvious postocular spots, one behind each eye. Eyes bicoloured: black above and blue below.

Female identification: As with other species in this genus, elsewhere in the world, females have several colour morphs. So far, four types have been recorded: a green morph (image 1); brown morph (image 2 & 3); purplish morph (a result of a pruinescent sheen) (image 4 & 5); and a blue male-like 'andromorph' (image 6). All have a distinct antehumeral stripe and the distinct pale postocular spots.

Similar species: Most similar to A. watsoni but the latter is much smaller, with a green antehumeral stripe and lacks the postocular spots.

Behaviour: Relatively quick flyer, usually found around the very edges of waterbodies or on bank-side vegetation. Males have a habit of 'bouncing' over the water above floating vegetation.

Distribution: Distributed throughout Victoria but favours lowlands below about 800m. Becomes increasingly common at lower altitudes.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Standing water as well as still water margins of flowing rivers and streams.

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: October to May