Blue-tailed Damselfly

Ischnura elegans

The Blue-tailed Damselfly is a tiny insect that loves to hang out near water. Its bright blue tail makes it really easy to recognize!

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and wetlands

Appearance

The Blue-tailed Damselfly is a slender insect, typically dark with bright blue markings. Males usually have a distinct blue segment on their abdomen near the tip. Females can vary in color but often have blue or greenish markings and a small blue spot on the top of the eighth abdominal segment.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCoenagrionidaeGenusIschnura

Blue-tailed Damselfly

Interesting facts

Some females change color as they get older.

Their wings can beat up to 30 times a second.

They often rest with their wings folded neatly together.

They start their lives as tiny predators underwater!

Special abilities

Blue-tailed Damselfly has large compound eyes that help them see all around, making them excellent hunters and escape artists.

Blue-tailed Damselfly nymphs can breathe underwater using gill-like structures, allowing them to live and hunt submerged.

The Blue-tailed Damselfly males have a striking blue tip on their abdomen that helps them identify each other and attract mates.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 30-40 mm
Size: 27-32 mm
Lifespan: 14-28 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny hunters feast on small flying insects they catch in the air.

Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic invertebrates underwater, while adults catch flying insects in the air.

Primary Foods

Midges
Mosquitoes
Small flies
Aphids

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Common Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Adults hunt these for food.

hunts

Common Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Adults catch mosquitoes mid-air.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Adult damselflies can be prey.

eaten by

Three-spined Stickleback

Gasterosteus aculeatus

Fish often prey on nymphs.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!