Telephlebia brevicauda - Southern Evening Darner

Male identification: A robust, plainly marked and largely brown dragonfly with thick dark leading edges to the fore- and hind-wings.

Female identification: Likely to be more robust and relatively shorter-bodied but with identical markings to male.

Similar species: No similar species

Behaviour: Usually flies at dawn and dusk, though can be encountered during the day if flushed from roost spots - commonly beneath the leaves of low vegetation along the edges of tracks and watercourse. Quite lethargic and perches readily until dusk when it becomes very active. Commonly seen silhouetted against the sky after sundown or hawking for insects around an observer's feet and exploiting radiating heat from stone paths or asphalt roads.

Distribution: Common and widespread throughout central Victoria, including the highlands. Recorded at a range of altitudes from sea level to about 1400m.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Possibly confined to forested habitat with flowing water.

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: December to June