Blue-tailed Damselfly
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
360 Vision
Blue-tailed Damselfly has large compound eyes that help them see all around, making them excellent hunters and escape artists.
Ability
Water Breathers
Blue-tailed Damselfly nymphs can breathe underwater using gill-like structures, allowing them to live and hunt submerged.
Ability
Tail-Spot ID
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue-tailed Damselfly's wingspan?
30-40 mm
How big is Blue-tailed Damselfly?
27-32 mm
How long does Blue-tailed Damselfly live?
14-28 days
How fast can Blue-tailed Damselfly fly?
8 km/h
What does Blue-tailed Damselfly eat?
These tiny hunters feast on small flying insects they catch in the air.
Where is Blue-tailed Damselfly usually found?
Ponds, lakes, and wetlands
How does Blue-tailed Damselfly hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Blue-tailed Damselfly have?
6
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