Blue ringtail

The blue ringtail (Austrolestes annulosus) is an Australian damselfly.^[1] It is found on most of the continent.

Blue ringtail
Male, Tasmania, Australia
Female, Tasmania, Australia
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Lestidae
Genus:	Austrolestes
Species:	A. annulosus
Binomial name
Austrolestes annulosus (Sélys, 1862)[2]

Taxonomy

The blue ringtail was first described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1862.^[3]

Description

The abdomen is 3 cm long.^[4] It can easily be confused with Coenagrion lyelli 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, except for the northern and north-eastern parts.^[3] It is active through September to April in still water bodies such as riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary pools.

Gallery

• 
  Male
• 
  Mating pair
• 
  Female wings
• 
  Male wings