Aurora Bluetail
Ischnura aurora
Identification: Body length 23-26 mm. Wingspan 25-30 mm. Tiny. Top of head dark, usually with pair of small blue spots near eyes. Upper synthorax bronze-black with thin green humeral stripe; lower side green with two short dark stripes at rear. Female with spots on top of head and pale markings on thorax, sometimes tan with reddish tinge. Mature male has base of abdomen reddish orange, becoming black towards apex, narrow blue band near tip. Female abdomen bronze-black above, greenish beneath.
Habitat: Wide range of standing and slow-flowing waters, including temporary ponds. Adults often disperse far from water.
Distribution in SEQ: Widespread.
Similar local species: Females resemble female Common Bluetail (Ischnura heterosticta), Pygmy Wisp (Agriocnemis pygmaea) and Red-rumped Wisp (Agriocnemis rubricauda).
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