| Status | LC |
|---|---|
| Status system | IUCN3.1 |
| Taxon | Austrolestes annulosus |
| Authority | (Selys, 1862)[1] |
| Synonyms |
|
The blue ringtail (Austrolestes annulosus) is an Australian damselfly.[2] It is found on most of the continent.
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 Austrocoenagrion 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.
Etymology
The genus name Austrolestes combines the prefix austro- (from Latin auster, meaning “south wind”, hence “southern”) with Lestes, a genus name derived from Greek λῃστής (lēstēs, “robber”).[5]
The species name annulosus is derived from the Latin annulus ("ring") and the suffix -osus ("abounding in"), referring to the broad ring on the second abdominal segment.[6]
References
- ^ Selys-Longchamps, E. (1862). "Synopsis des Agrionines, seconde légion: Lestes" (in French). Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Académie Royale de Belgique. 13: 288–338 [332]. 2.
- ^ Dow, R.A. (2017). "Austrolestes annulosus". Vol. 2017. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T87534133A87539919.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Species Austrolestes annulosus (Selys, 1862)". Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study. 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ^ Daley, Elizabeth & Daley, Anthony (2007). Wings: an introduction to Tasmania's winged insects. Riffles Pty. Ltd. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-9804006-2-5.
- ^ Endersby, Ian (2012). "Etymology of the Dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) named by R.J. Tillyard, F.R.S.". Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales. 134: 1-16.
- ^ Endersby, Ian & Fliedner, Heinrich (2015). The Naming of Australia's Dragonflies. Eltham, Victoria, Australia: Busybird Publishing. ISBN 9781925260625.