Identification Family represented by three species in Victoria. The family is known for being migratory and early colonisers and therefore, may be found almost anywhere. Procordulia jacksoniensis is quite uncommon whereas both Hemicordulia tau and H. australiae are abundant and usually found in any standing water area, as well as commonly far from water, in forested areas, gardens, urban areas etc. H. tau is considerably larger than H. australiae, with a thick straight body, orange leading veins to the wings, black spots on the wing tips (pterostigma) and a very distinct yellow spot at the tail tip. H. australiae is quite small, usually flying with a slightly dropped abdomen and very obvious emerald green eyes. It has a very indistinct tail spot and all the wing veins are black, as is the pterostigma. 

Abdomen markings of male Hemicorduliidae. Female markings are similar. 

Females of these species appear to have a brownish wash to the wings, near to the tip on H. australiae and along the leading edge of the wings in H. tau. This feature may also be present in P. jacksoniensis.