Kingdom Animalia Suborder Zygoptera Genus Austrolestes Phylum Arthropoda Order Odonate | Class Insecta Family Lestidae Scientific name Austrolestes annulosus Rank Species | |
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Similar Austrolestes, Metallic ringtail, Odonate, Eastern billabongfly, Slender ringtail | ||
The blue ringtail snow ranch dec 8 2007
The blue ringtail (Austrolestes annulosus) is an Australian damselfly. It is found in most of the continent.
Contents
Taxonomy
The blue ringtail was first described by Edmond de Sélys Longchamps in 1862.
Description
The abdomen is 3 cm long. It can easily be confused with C. lyelli or C. 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 northeastern parts. It is active through September to April in still water bodies such as riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary pools.