The blue ringtail (''Austrolestes annulosus'') is an Australian

damselfly Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies (which constitute the other odonatan suborder, Epiprocta) but are usually smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the win ...

. It is found on most of the continent.

Taxonomy

The blue ringtail was first described by

Edmond de Sélys Longchamps Baron Michel Edmond de Selys Longchamps (25 May 1813 – 11 December 1900) was a Belgium, Belgian Liberal Party (Belgium), Liberal Party politician and scientist. Selys Longchamps has been regarded as the founding figure of odonatology, the stud ...

in 1862.

Description

The abdomen is 3 cm long. It can easily be confused with ''

Coenagrion lyelli ''Coenagrion lyelli'' is a species of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae, commonly known as a swamp bluet. It is a medium-sized damselfly, the male is bright blue with black markings. It is found in south-eastern Australia, where it inhabits ...

'' or '' Caliagrion billinghursti'', but can be differentiated through dorsal patterns. They are a thin, medium-sized damselfly with varying coloration, which depends on maturity and temperature. However most are a striking blue with minimal black markings. Females are slightly more robust than males, and have a black and white/pale blue coloration.

Distribution and habitat

It is widely distributed in most of

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

, except for the

northern Northern may refer to the following: Geography * North North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating ...

and north-eastern parts. It is active through September to April in still water bodies such as riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary pools.

Gallery

File:Common blue damselfly02.jpg , Male Blue-Ringtail,Austrolestes-annulosus,pair.jpg , Mating pair Austrolestes annulosus female wings (34018161393).jpg , Female wings Austrolestes annulosus male wings (34664755192).jpg , Male wings

References

* {{Taxonbar , from1=Q2151820 Lestidae Insects of Australia Insects described in 1862