Austroargiolestes icteromelas

Common flatwing
Common flatwing resting
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Euarthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Megapodagrionidae
Genus:	Austroargiolestes
Species:	A. icteromelas
Binomial name
Austroargiolestes icteromelas (Selys, 1862)

The common flatwing (Austroargiolestes icteromelas) is a very common species of damselfly of the subfamily Argiolestinae in the family Megapodagrionidae. It is also known as an Australian flatwing.

Both male and female common flatwings look similar, with a long and slender body about 43 mm in length, and a bright metallic-blue colour. They usually rest with their wings flat open, but females sometimes rest with wings folded up. Their antennae are very small, and their compound eyes are comparatively large. Common flatwings do not use their legs for walking, but for capturing other flying insects in the air, like all other dragonflies and damselflies. They can be found along streams and creeks, are seldom found near still water ponds, but are more likely to be found near slow running water. This species likes to rest within a few metres of a creek or stream, in a shaded area, sometimes resting in large groups among plants. They perch on leaves and, when disturbed, fly a short distance. Common flatwings tolerate people close to them.

Austroargiolestes icteromelas has a two subspecies: Austroargiolestes icteromelas icteromelas and Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus.

The common flatwing is found in eastern Australia: in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.

Female

Male

Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus in Brisbane

Tip of female tail

Tip of male tail

Female wings

Male wings

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Wikipedia