Xanthagrion erythroneurum - Red & Blue Damsel

Male identification: A small distinctive damselfly with a dark abdomen terminating in two pale blue rings near the tip. The eyes, legs, head, thorax and first two abdominal segments are bright red.

Female identification: Similar to male but paler and slightly stockier.

Similar species: Not like other species

Behaviour: Relatively quick flyer, usually found over floating and shallow emergent vegetation the very edges of standing water.

Distribution: Distributed throughout Victoria. Found commonly in lowland areas below about 600m but also in alpine districts above 1400m. This split distribution may be due to its preference for standing water.

Australian State distribution (from CSIRO Entomology)

Habitat: Margins and shallow areas of any standing water with floating or emergent vegetation.

Status: Common and widespread

Flight period: October to May