Synlestes weyersii - Bronze Needle

Male identification: A large bright green, gold and bronze damsefly with very long legs and a relatively long thin body. Has a pale occipital triangle and a distinctive reddish antehumeral stripe, unique to this species. Very narrow pale rings around the base of each abdominal segment are quite inconspicuous so the abdomen is largely uniform in colour. Some populations / individuals have white pterostigma.

Female identification: Very similar to males only with a relatively short and thicker abdomen.

Similar species: Unlike any other damselfly except to the beginner, may appear similar to the Lestids but there are several key differences. Not least, it lacks any pale antehumeral stripe, present on all Lestids. Habitat is also very different.

Behaviour: Tends to perch vertically on long legs; the long body hanging heavily down. Flight is quite fluttery. Has a habit of perching on the underside of bankside vegetation, sometimes congregating in quite large numbers.

Distribution: Appears to be widespread, particularly south of the dividing range but not apparently in alpine areas.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Running water including creeks and rocky rivers where these open up onto plains.

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: December-May