The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia [2 ed.] 1486313744, 9781486313747

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THe cOmpleTe field guide TO

dragOnflies Of ausTralia SecOnD eDITIOn

günther Theischinger and John Hawking colour illustrations by albert Orr

THE COMPLETE FIELD GUIDE TO

DRAGONFLIES OF AUSTRALIA SECOND EDITION

Also available from CSIRO Publishing: The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia, Second Edition, by Michael F. Braby

THE COMPLETE FIELD GUIDE TO

DRAGONFLIES OF AUSTRALIA SECOND EDITION

Günther Theischinger and John Hawking Colour illustrations by Albert Orr

© Text Günther Theischinger and John Hawking 2021 © Colour illustrations Albert Orr 2021 All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Contact CSIRO Publishing for all permission requests. The authors and illustrator assert their moral rights, including the right to be identified as a creator. A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Australia. ISBN: 9781486313747 (pbk) ISBN: 9781486313754 (epdf) ISBN: 9781486313761 (epub) How to cite: Theischinger G, Hawking J, Orr A (2021) The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. 2nd edn. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Published by: CSIRO Publishing Locked Bag 10 Clayton South VIC 3169 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9545 8400 Email: [email protected] Website: www.publish.csiro.au Front cover: (top, left to right) Austroaeschna ingrid, Eusynthemis ursula, Austropetalia annaliese (photos by Günther Theischinger); (bottom) Diphlebia coerulescens (photo by Albert Orr). Set in Minion 9.5/12 Cover design by James Kelly Printed in China by Leo Paper Products Ltd CSIRO Publishing publishes and distributes scientific, technical and health science books, magazines and journals from Australia to a worldwide audience and conducts these activities autonomously from the research activities of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of, and should not be attributed to, the publisher or CSIRO. The copyright owner shall not be liable for technical or other errors or omissions contained herein. The reader/user accepts all risks and responsibility for losses, damages, costs and other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this information. The paper this book is printed on is in accordance with the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® and other controlled material. The FSC® promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.

Nov20_01

Foreword to first edition

In today’s crowded world humans are imposing increasing pressures on the pre-existing fauna and flora. Freshwater habitats have become especially vulnerable to such pressures and protection of their biota is now an urgent priority for people and agencies concerned with nature conservation. To an increasing extent conservationists are becoming aware of the vital role that insects play in maintaining the balance of nature. Large, diurnal, conspicuous animals like dragonflies serve as excellent ambassadors for insects. At the same time they are valuable indicators of healthy freshwater habitats and so have an important role to play in aiding conservation and conservation awareness. The Australian dragonfly fauna, comprising more than 300 species, is dauntingly large for the novice to tackle without an authoritative identification manual. An important first step towards this goal was the publication, in 1991, of the book The Australian Dragonflies by Tony Watson, Günther Theischinger and Hilda Abbey, which became an essential reference for Australian odonatologists. Still needed was a user-friendly field guide. The authors of this book deserve the gratitude and congratulations of entomologists and conservationists alike for having met this need by producing this excellent book. Apart from giving field observers much pleasure and satisfaction, it will provide an invaluable tool in the armoury of those charged with compiling reliable fauna lists needed for the conservation of aquatic habitats and their occupants. I wish this attractive book the success it richly deserves. Philip S Corbet University of Edinburgh, UK

Foreword to second edition

Since the middle of last century, interest in dragonflies by professionals and nonprofessionals alike has increased enormously throughout the globe. Whereas formerly scientists focussed their interest on the structure and behaviour of these ‘living fossils’, that have remained essentially unchanged since Upper Palaeozoic times, nowadays the role of dragonflies in biotic communities and their significant capacity as indicators of freshwater health has become a key issue. No serious nature conservation research today would omit the critical consideration of the effects of environmental degradation on the regional dragonfly fauna. Just as no poetry can be written without the author having a command of words, in biological research a knowledge of species is absolutely vital. To this end the present book will serve as an indispensable tool throughout Australia. First published in 2006, this second edition has been significantly revised and updated. The frequent reprinting of the first edition within a short space of time speaks for the importance of and demand for this definitive work. The scientific profile of its authors is a firm guarantee of the excellence of the treatment, based on the most recent views of odonate classification. The taxa described or recorded from Australia after 2006 are added, bringing the number of the hitherto known Australian species close to the 350 mark. All species are concisely described and the information on their habitats and larvae is supplied. The adults and the known larvae are keyed in a user-friendly style. The quality of the text is enhanced with artwork by Dr Albert George Orr, one of the greatest dragonfly illustrators of our time. Many of the dragonfly portraits from the previous edition are also replaced by new, higher-quality photographs. This new edition represents a milestone in our knowledge of Australian dragonflies and will remain a standard reference for a long time to come. Bastiaan Kiauta Past-Editor of Odonatologica

Xanthagrion erythroneurum.

Preface and acknowledgments to first edition

Dragonflies, with their kaleidoscope of colours, exquisite symmetry and incredible flying abilities, are one of the most eminently watchable kinds of animals. They have featured in folklore over time and their aesthetic beauty still fascinates us today. There has always been much interest in the group – in the past mainly with scientists, but more recently also with amateur watchers. Through recent major studies we now have a reasonable understanding of the Australian dragonflies and their larvae, best known as ‘mud-eyes’ and often used as bait in freshwater fishing. The introductory chapter of this guide deals briefly with the biology and ecology of the order Odonata. This is followed by the species accounts, which should allow identification of individual species by diagnostic notes, figures, distribution maps and photographs. The photographs and diagrams are not to scale. At the end of the book are illustrated keys for families, genera and some species, as well as diagnostic keys for larvae which are, however, based on characters of the final instar and are less reliable for earlier instars. There is also an illustrated glossary of descriptive terms. A number of people greatly supported us by sending particular photographs for publication and/or by allowing us to pick photographs from their collection. They are: Steve Axford, Graham Brown, Klaus Buck, Max Carpenter, Peter Chew, Sid Dunkle, Günther Fleck, Andre Günther, Ego Guiotto, Karlie Hawking, Antoine van der Heijden, Glenn Hoye, Steve Jacobs, Kathie Le Busque, Leonard Müller, Norman Müller, Dennis Paulson, David Rentz, Ulrich Röder, Deniss Reeves, Steve Richards, Netta Smith, Tanya Whiteway and Keith Wilson. For help with proofreading we are deeply indebted to Sid Dunkle, Ian Endersby, Leonard Müller, Deniss Reeves and Neville Yates. We wish to thank Dr P Scanes, Dr T Pritchard and Dr C Koop of the New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation, and Dr D Mitchell, Dr T Hillman and Dr B Gawne of the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre for their support. Special thanks go to Nick Alexander who never lost track during his navigation through difficult terrain. It is he who should be particularly credited if the book is found appealing. Günther Theischinger John Hawking

Preface and acknowledgments to second edition

The first edition of The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia was published in 2006, and three reprints (2010, 2012, 2016) followed without any significant changes, additions or amendments. The opportunity was then offered and taken to present a new edition with changes, additions or amendments where it appeared timely and appropriate. As the fundamental aims of the book have not changed, namely to provide an authoritative but usable reference for the identification of dragonflies from Australia, this update is based as closely as possible on the first edition. There were, however, in the last 14 years several significant advances in the knowledge of dragonflies world-wide and in Australia that necessitated updating and revising this field guide. Other significant recent research is listed in the ‘References and further reading’ section. New studies by various authors on the morphology of dragonfly adults and larvae, cladistics and lately molecular phylogeny paved the way for a multi-authored consensus on the higher classification of dragonflies based on the principles of stability (usage should change as little as possible) and monophyly of family group taxa (Dijkstra et al. 2013). This arrangement, complemented by Kalkman & Theischinger (2013) and Dijkstra et al. (2014), is generally followed in this edition. Thus the order of family group taxa in Australia is at least temporarily, and for better or worse, brought in line with that followed in the rest of the world. Details and differences of this classification to the previously used classification are given in the section ‘Species guide’. A molecular phylogeny and classification of Anisoptera is now also available (Carle et al. 2015), but its findings seem too premature to alter the consensus arrangement, which is still the most widely used scheme. Since the first edition there have been several additions to the Australian fauna. These include an isostictid genus not previously known from Australia but recently found in tropical Queensland (Theischinger 2009), as well as seven newly described species, six from eastern Australia (Theischinger 2008b, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020; Theischinger & Burwell 2017) and one supposed from photographic evidence to occur in Australia (Rowe 2019). Name and taxonomic status for some taxa were changed (e.g. Peters 2006). De Baar et al. (2010), reporting on the fauna of Dauan Island, an Australian Island very close to New Guinea, listed two spectacular dragonfly species hitherto not recorded from Australia. Kalkman & Orr (2012) discussed the Australian monsoon tropics as a barrier for exchange of dragonflies between New Guinea and Australia. Theischinger & Endersby (2009) published a book on the Australian fauna, including keys for identification of adults and larvae at species level, distribution dot maps for all species and references to species of conservation concern. Important particularly for studying Australia’s northernmost dragonflies, the fauna of New Guinea, Maluku and the Solomon

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Preface and acknowledgments to second edition

Islands (adults only) was treated comprehensively by Michalski (2012), Kalkman & Orr (2013) and Orr & Kalkman (2015). The series of preliminary keys for the identification of Australian Anisoptera larvae was completed (Theischinger 2007). Theischinger & Endersby (2014) presented the descriptive history of the known larvae of Australian dragonflies; larvae of additional species were diagnosed by Fleck (2007) and Theischinger & Tang (2013). All Australian dragonfly species were assigned a conservation status (Dow 2017). Comprehensive books/larger papers were published on several major regions of Australia. They include south-west Australia (Taylor 2012), Pilbara, north-west Australia (Taylor 2013), South-East Queensland (Nattrass 2006), Victoria and Tasmania (Richter & Endersby 2019), Eungella region in Queensland (Burwell et al. 2020b), the Granite Belt region of Queensland (Burwell et al. 2020a), and the Murray Darling Basin (Theischinger et al. 2017). Significant changes in geographic distribution, some possibly connected with global warming, were reported by Endersby (2013a,b, 2014a,b), Haywood & Richter (2013), Haywood (2019), Kenway (2006), Richter (2013, 2014, 2016), Sands & Burwell (2009), Theischinger (2008a, 2009, 2011), Theischinger & Jacobs (2012), Theischinger et al. (2013). Baird et al. (2006–2018), Cordero-Rivera (2015–2017), Peters & Theischinger (2006), Theischinger (2010, 2012) and Ware et al. (2009, 2014) gave particular attention to phylogenetic relationships and biology of some of the most unusual Australian endemic species. Bush et al. (2012–2014) elaborated on use of dragonflies for environmental monitoring and modelled future distributions of dragonflies considering different climate change scenarios. Endersby & Fliedner (2015) published a book on the naming of Australia’s dragonflies, with biographies of the scientists who named and described them. In 2017 Australia Post produced a series of six dragonfly stamps. To improve appearance and usefulness of the book, colour portraits of some adult dragonflies were kindly provided by A.G. Orr. These and new life colour photos and habitus drawings of larvae are included in the section ‘Identification’. Ray Andress provided a water colour painting of Petalura ingentissima, one of the world’s most massive dragonflies and an Australian icon. A wealth of excellent photographs of adult dragonflies and damselflies in life by Chris Burwell, Ros Coy, Vik Dunis, Rod Fensham, Deane Lewis, Elaine McDonald, Leonard Mueller, Kerrie O’Donnell, Fons and Valentina Peels, Steve Richards, Reiner Richter, Petra Ries, Linda Rogan, Massimo Terragni, Colin Trainor, Edward Tsyrlin, Geoff Walker and Graham Winterflood enabled us to significantly improve the photographic presentation of the fauna. We are very grateful for all those who have helped to improve the book. Special thanks go to Briana Melideo who gave her best, initiating, enabling and facilitating the publication of this second edition. It is she who should receive the most credit if this edition is found more useful and appealing than the previous edition. Günther Theischinger

A newly emerged Hemicordulia tau.

Contents

Foreword to first edition Foreword to second edition Preface and acknowledgments to first edition Preface and acknowledgments to second edition

v vi viii ix

Introduction1 Species guide

11



Zygoptera (Damselflies)



Hemiphlebiidae Greenlings 18



Synlestidae Relicts/Sylphs/Malachites 18



Lestidae Spreadwings/Reedlings 26



Chlorocyphidae Jewels36



Calopterygidae Demoiselles 



Lestoideidae Bluestreaks/Rockmasters 38



Argiolestidae Flatwings 46



Isostictidae Narrow-wings 62



Platycnemididae Threadtails/Pinflies 78



Coenagrionidae Pond Damsels88



Anisoptera (Dragonflies proper)



Austropetaliidae Redspots114



Aeshnidae Southern Darners/Hawkers 120



Petaluridae Petaltails 166



Gomphidae Clubtails/Tigers 170



Synthemistidae Tigertails/Southern Emeralds206



Macromiidae Cruisers 232



Corduliidae Emeralds/Round winged/Modern Emeralds 234



Libellulidae Baskers/Skimmers/Perchers 246

36

Libelluloidea incertae sedis Urflies/Mistflies/Hawks/ Streamcruisers/Shutwings294

Contents

Illustrated glossary

316

Identification of adults

326

Identification of larvae

356

Studying dragonflies

379

Checklist of species

382

References and further reading

390

Index of scientific names

396

Index of common names

400

Aethriamanta circumsignata (male).

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Introduction

Dragonflies are primitive insects, belonging to the order Odonata – a name which refers to the large teeth-like mandibles of both larva and adult. In Australia, the Odonata contains two suborders: the damselflies (Zygoptera) and the dragonflies proper (Anisoptera). Damselflies are generally very slender insects, with forewings and hindwings similar in shape and venation and commonly held closed above the body. Damselfly larvae have external gills at the end of the abdomen. Dragonflies proper are stouter, stronger-flying insects. Their forewings and hindwings are more or less dissimilar in shape and venation and are commonly held spread out when they are at rest. Their larvae have internal rectal gills, and the abdomen ends in an anal pyramid.

Endemism

Australia was part of the ancient continent Gondwana and this is reflected in the dragonfly fauna. The Ancient Greenling (Hemiphlebia mirabilis) was, at least until recently, considered as possibly the most ancient species, having characteristics of damselflies recorded from the Permian Period (280–225 million years ago), and the Petaltails (Petalura) are thought to be similar to fossil dragonflies from the Jurassic Period (195–135 million years ago). Australia has a high level of endemic dragonflies, with the Ancient Greenling, Pretty Relict (Chorismagrion risi), Bluestreaks (Lestoidea), Whitetips (Episynlestes), Needles (Synlestes), Shutwings (Cordulephya), Hawks (Austrocordulia and Apocordulia), Urflies (Archaeophya), Mistflies (Pseudocordulia), Streamcruiser (Hesperocordulia), Mosquitohawks (Micromidia), Swiftwings (Lathrocordulia) and Mystics (Austrophya) not being found outside Australia. Australia has numerous members of Argiolestidae, Petaluridae, Aeshnidae, Synthemistidae and of Libelluloidea incertae sedis. However, it lacks Platystictidae and Cordulegastridae, and the representation of Calopterygidae and Chlorocyphidae is doubtful and of Coenagrionidae, Corduliidae, Macromiidae and Libellulidae is rather poor.

Life cycle

Dragonflies are hemimetabolous, that is they undergo gradual larval development, with the wings forming in the body of the larva and the emerging adult attaining a different form to the larva. They have three development stages, egg, larva and adult, of which the egg and larval stage are aquatic, and the adult is terrestrial.

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Introduction

Egg

The eggs of most damselflies and some dragonflies such as Petaltails (Petalura) and Darners (Aeshnidae) are elongate (Fig. 1) and are usually inserted into plant tissue or into soft mud (endophytic). In contrast, the other dragonfly eggs are round or oval (Fig. 2) and are laid directly in the water (exophytic). Freshly laid eggs are generally creamy white, turning yellow-brown within 24 hours, with eyespots appearing after two days, becoming dark orange prior to hatching. Egg development is direct, without a resting (diapause) stage, although there is a possibility that it may occur in some species of Ringtails (Lestidae). Development takes place generally in waters with a temperature greater than 14°C, and the cycle is completed in 6–30 days. Larva

On emerging from the egg the larva has a short, prolarval stage (Fig. 3) where the larva is encased in a sheath, from which it emerges in less than a minute to become a true larva (Fig. 4). The larva progresses through 9–15 development stages, with the wing bud development commencing in the sixth, seventh or eighth stage.

Fig. 1. Eggs of Australian Emperor, Anax papuensis.

Fig. 2. Eggs of Southern Vicetail, Hemigomphus gouldii.

Fig. 3. First instar larva of Scarlet Percher, Diplacodes haematodes.

Fig. 4. Second instar larva of Scarlet Percher, Diplacodes haematodes.

Life cycle

Fig. 5. Larva of damselfly, Austrolestes analis.

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Fig. 6. Larva of dragonfly, Austrogomphus sp.

Fig. 7. Final instar larva of Pantala flavescens about to emerge.

The larvae of damselflies are mostly long and slender and have three long respiratory gills attached to the 10th abdominal segment (Fig. 5). In contrast, dragonfly larvae are stouter (Fig. 6), have respiratory gills inside their rectal chamber and breathe through their anus. This allows the larvae to propel themselves by forcing water out of the anus under pressure. The larvae of damselflies and dragonflies are predacious, being either ‘sit and wait’ or ‘attack’ predators, and feed on the aquatic invertebrates (midge larvae, mayfly nymphs etc.) that occur in their habitat. The larvae capture their prey by thrusting out their large extendable labium (jaw). When the larva is fully developed (Fig. 7) – that is, when its wing pads are fully formed – it moves to the water body margin onto an exposed rock, log or plant where it prepares for the final stage of metamorphosis. Its larval skin splits along the midline of the thorax and the adult progressively emerges over a period of approximately one hour (Figs. 8–10).

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Introduction

Most species emerge in the cool of the morning, with a number emerging during the day. Other species, in the warmer regions of northern Australia, emerge at night. Adult

The newly emerged adult or teneral is dull and colourless (Fig. 11) and only stays near the stream margin long enough for its wings to dry. It then moves away from the water body until it reaches sexual maturity (generally one to four weeks). The riverine species appear to move only a short distance, up to 500 m from the stream, and on maturity return near to their site of emergence, whereas species from standing waters are more opportunistic and

Fig. 8. Ictinogomphus australis emerging from the exuvia.

Fig. 9. Ictinogomphus australis immediately after emerging from the exuvia.

Fig. 10. Ictinogomphus australis five minutes after emerging from the exuvia.

Life cycle

Fig. 11. Teneral and exuvia of Hemicordulia tau.

Fig. 12. Austrogomphus cornutus eating an hemipteran.

Fig. 13. Synthemis eustalacta, head.

Fig. 14. Xanthagrion erythroneurum pair in the ‘wheel’ position.

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will seek out a range of water bodies. Adults are also predators and hunt live prey (midges, moths), generally capturing them in flight (Fig. 12). Their prey is detected by their multifaceted eyes which give them almost 360-degree vision (Fig. 13). After maturing, the male returns to the water body and selects his territory, a small stretch of waters edge, and guards it against other males while awaiting the arrival of a female mate. The male Skimmers (Orthetrum) wait perched on low twigs or plants, whereas the Hunters (Austrogomphus) and Vicetails (Hemigomphus) perch on rocks. In contrast, the Darners (Aeshnidae) and Emeralds (Hemicordulia) cruise their territory, remaining in flight for lengthy periods of time. Copulation begins when the mature female accepts a male, allowing him to seize her by the occiput (dragonflies) or prothorax (damselflies) with his legs and then his anal appendages (the ‘tandem’ position). The male transfers sperm to his secondary genitalia on abdominal segment 2 and they form the ‘wheel’ position (Fig. 14) by bringing their genitalia in contact, thus allowing the male to transfer his sperm to storage sacs in the female. The female uses the sperm later to fertilise the eggs as they are laid.

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Introduction

Fig. 15. Anax papuensis pair in ‘tandem’ position during egg laying.

Fig. 16. Antipodogomphus acolythus larva showing the long abdominal segments 8–10.

After copulation the female breaks contact and commences laying eggs (oviposition); however, in some species the male remains joined and laying is completed in tandem (e.g. Common Bluetail (Ischnura heterosticta), Australian Emperor (Anax papuensis) (Fig. 15), Graphic Flutterer (Rhyothemis graphiptera)). The females of endophytic species produce 400–600 eggs, the females of exophytic species between 800 and 2000. Both sexes may mate several times in one day. The adults generally live for one to three months, but sometimes longer in warmer, drier areas.

Ecology

Most Australian species can be broadly grouped into ‘opportunistic’ and ‘riverine’ species. The ‘opportunist’ species colonise still or sluggish waters, such as temporary pools, lakes and slow flowing streams and may conclude a generation in 8–10 weeks (e.g. Aurora Bluetail (Ischnura aurora), Blue Skimmer (Orthetrum caledonicum), Wandering Percher (Diplacodes bipunctata)). In contrast, riverine species, which only inhabit flowing rivers and streams or bogs (e.g. gomphids), take more than one year, and Petaltails (Petalura) take possibly 10 years or longer. Larval development is determined by water temperature. For example, in fishponds with warm water temperatures at Eildon (Victoria), the Tau Emerald (Hemicordulia tau) can have two to three generations per year, whereas in cold alpine Lake Eucumbene (New South Wales) it takes two years to complete a life cycle. The larvae are generally dull, however the colour can change during development in response to environmental conditions. For example, the Common Bluetail (Ischnura heterosticta) and Australian Emperor (Anax papuensis) are greenish when living on live vegetation, but brownish when living amongst dead vegetation. The great variety in dragonfly larva shapes owes much to adaptation to the particular habitat in which the larva lives. For example, the Riffle Darner (Notoaeschna) larva has flat limbs that allow it to cling to rocks in fast waters, while the larvae of the Dragons (Antipodogomphus) have their last abdominal segments shaped like a long tube (Fig. 16) allowing the breathing section of the anal pyramid to protrude from the bottom sediment.

Ecology

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Typically most damselflies and dragonflies fly during the day; however, some fly during the evening and others at night. The Nighthawk (Apocordulia macrops) flies at last light, as does the Southern Evening Darner (Telephlebia brevicauda), which often congregates in groups flying low over streams. Many species spend much of their time resting on banks, rocks and logs, and fly only when feeding, mating or when disturbed. These ‘perchers’ include most damselflies, the gomphids and Petaltails and many libellulids. Damselflies that lay their eggs into plants will thus be found near vegetation. Most are not specific to particular plants, except the Longlegs (Austrocnemis), which are only found on lily pads. In contrast, the ‘fliers’ (Emperors, Hawkers, many Darners and the Emeralds) remain on the wing, cruising near the margins of water bodies. Large groups of the Common Glider (Tramea loewii) and Wandering Glider (Pantala flavescens) migrate to southern Australia on the winds of tropical low-pressure systems and their progeny can be found completing a generation in central Victoria; however, the next generation does not survive the cold winter water temperatures. Large swarms of Australian Emperor (Anax papuensis), Australian Emerald (Hemicordulia australiae) and Tau Emerald (Hemicordulia tau) tend to congregate during periods of mass emergence of terrestrial insects and can be found in house gardens of towns and cities where they are seen in feeding frenzies.

Fig. 17. Lagoon at Loganholme, Brisbane, Queensland.

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Introduction

Habitats Australian dragonflies inhabit a variety of water bodies, from large rivers to small temporary pools. The species inhabiting still water, i.e. pools, lagoons (Fig. 17), billabongs, lakes and temporary streams (Fig. 18), are generally ‘opportunistic’ vagrants and may frequent many different types of water bodies, whereas the riverine species are mostly found associated with streams (Fig. 19) or rivers (Fig. 20). Many opportunist species like the Tau Emerald (Hemicordulia tau) and Wandering Percher (Diplacodes bipunctata) may be found at roadside ditches, billabongs or lakes. In contrast, many of the Duskhawkers (Gynacantha) and the Swamp Watcher (Potamarcha congener) tend to prefer temporary waters. There are differences within a single genus, as in Gliders of the genus Tramea and

Fig. 18. Barramundie Creek, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory.

Fig. 20. Murray River, Talmalmo, New South Wales.

Fig. 19. Little Navarre Creek, Lake St Clair, Tasmania.

Habitats

Fig. 21. Thredbo River, Thredbo, New South Wales.

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Fig. 22. Rocky Valley Branch, East Kiewa River, Bogong, Victoria.

Skimmers (Orthetrum), both preferring small pools to lakes, with the Common Glider (T. loewii) and Blue Skimmer (O. caledonicum) occurring in many still water habitats across the continent, whereas some of their close relatives, the Dune Glider (T. eurybia) and the Brownwater Skimmer (O. boumiera), are confined to brown coastal dune lakes in southern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. In contrast, the Needles and Whitetips (Synlestidae), Bluestreaks and Rockmasters (Lestoideidae), Flatwings (Argiolestidae), Threadtails (Platycnemididae), Redspots (Austropetaliidae), many Darners (Aeshnidae), Hunters (Austrogomphus), Vicetails (Hemigomphus), Tigertails (Synthemistidae) and the Urflies (Archaeophya) are generally associated with streams or stream margins. The Darners and Tigertails occur from alpine streams (Fig. 21) to large mature lowland rivers (Fig. 23); the Rockmasters are found in fast flowing rocky streams of eastern Australia (Fig. 22). The Vicetails generally occur only in gravelly to stony mountain streams, whereas species of the Hunters can occur in these types of streams as well as in larger inland rivers that dry to waterholes. The larvae of the Waterfall Spotwing (Austropetalia patricia) and of the Alpine Spotwing (Austropetalia tonyana) live on logs or moss in the splash zones of waterfalls or in the nearby stream edge in the mountains of south-eastern Australia, whereas the larvae of the Petaltails (Petalura) are burrowers, constructing tunnels connecting the bottom sediments to the stream margins, and are found in temperate and tropical Australia. Many interesting species are found in tropical and subtropical rainforests: the Treehole Flatwing (Podopteryx selysi), whose larvae live in water-filled tree holes; the Mistflies (Pseudocordulia), whose larvae (Fig. 24) live in moist leaf litter; and the Terrestrial Evening Darner (Antipodophlebia asthenes), whose larvae are found in moist leaf litter, but away from water.

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Introduction

Fig. 23. Edwards River, Mathoura, New South Wales.

Conservation

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognises four species of Australian dragonflies as being of concern: Petalura pulcherrima, Acanthaeschna victoria, Hemiphlebia mirabilis and Austrocordulia leonardi. In addition, Archaeophya adamsi and Petalura gigantea (Fig. 25) in New South Wales and Hemiphlebia mirabilis in Victoria have been listed as endangered. Australia has many species of dragonflies that are unique because of their unusual biology and are therefore considered as being in need of conservation. Examples are the Dune Ringtail (Austrolestes minjerriba) and Brownwater Skimmer (Orthetrum boumiera), which are restricted to brown acid coastal lakes; Evening Darners (Telephlebia), which fly at dusk and have semi-aquatic larvae; Petaltails (Petalura), whose larvae live in water-filled tunnels; and the Redspots of the genus Austropetalia, whose larvae live on logs or in moss on stream edges or on waterfalls.

Fig. 24. Pseudocordulia species (Mistfly) larva.

Fig. 25. Petalura gigantea (Southeastern Petaltail) male.

Species guide

A field guide should give a simple but comprehensive treatment of a group of organisms and enable their identification by comparison with diagrams and photographs. At the species level this works for most groups of organisms only if the objects are reasonably large, stationary and in a position similar to the individuals in the pictures and if they display in this position enough diagnostic features for identification. This practically never happens, and it is usually necessary to collect individuals and sometimes even to use a hand-lens in order to make a meaningful identification. Classification

In the first edition the 324 species that occur in Australia were grouped into 30 families and 112 genera. The damselflies comprised 12 families and the dragonflies proper, 18 families. In this second edition approximately 330 species in 18 families, plus a number of genera incertae sedis, are recognised. The damselflies comprise 10 families and the dragonflies proper, eight families plus 11 genera incertae sedis. Previous books have concentrated on the adults only. Fraser (1960) provided the first key to the adults of all then known Australian dragonfly species. Subsequent information from regional guides and taxonomic revisions was incorporated by Watson et al. (1991) in their book, The Australian Dragonflies.

Rhyothemis phyllis (female).

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Species guide

Regions of Australia NNT

CY

KIM NIQ

NWA

IA

NEQ

SIQ

SEQ

NEN

IN SWA

SES SEN VIC

TAS

CY

Cape York Peninsula, north of 16ºS, and the Australian islands in Torres Strait, some of which are close to the Papuan coast.

IA

The arid areas of inland Australia, the rest of the continent, with few permanent waters, mostly pools in river beds, sometimes spring fed.

IN

The western, inland parts of New South Wales, watered by the mature, sluggish rivers of the Murray-Darling system west of the line Goondiwindi-Albury.

KIM

The Kimberley region of Western Australia, north of 19ºS, again comprising the area to which permanent streams and rivers are confined.

NEN North-eastern New South Wales, the corresponding region north of 32ºS. NEQ North-eastern Queensland, the corresponding montane and coastal region between 16ºS and 23ºS, east of a line between 16ºS/143ºE and 23ºS/149ºE. There is an ecological and faunal discontinuity in the region, between about 19ºS (the Paluma Range) and 21ºS (Eungella), the so-called Paluma-Eungella gap. NIQ

The northern parts of inland Queensland between 16ºS and 23ºS, west of a line joining 16ºS/143ºE and 23ºS/149ºE, east of 138ºE north of 21ºS, and of 141ºE south of 21ºS, and including the northern rivers draining into the Gulf of Carpentaria.

NNT The ‘Top End’ of the Northern Territory, north of 17ºS, within which permanent streams and rivers occur. NWA The north-west of Western Australia, west of 121ºE to 21ºS, north-west of a line between 21ºS/121ºE and 27ºS/116ºE, and north of 27ºS to 116ºE, a primarily arid region but including the permanent streams and riverine

pools of the Millstream oasis and other riverine pools. SEN South-eastern New South Wales, including the east-flowing rivers and the upper courses of the western rivers south of 32ºS and east of a line between the northern border of NSW at 150ºE (near Goondiwindi, Queensland) and the southern border at 147ºE (near Albury), in effect, comprising the region of permanent coastal montane streams. SEQ South-eastern Queensland, the corresponding region of Queensland south of 23ºS and east of a line between 23ºS/149ºE and the southern border at 150ºE, near Goondiwindi. One area, the elevated ‘Granite Belt’ continuous with the uplands of northern New South Wales, marks the northern limit of some species. Outliers of the fauna of south-eastern Queensland occur in the Carnarvon Gorge (c. 25ºS/148ºE), in the Expedition Range (c. 24ºS/149ºE) and perhaps elsewhere. SES

South-eastern South Australia, the region of permanent fresh streams and rivers, south of 32ºS and west of 141ºE.

SIQ

The corresponding area in southern, inland Queensland, south of 23ºS between 141ºE and the line 23ºS/149ºE to Goondiwindi, watered by the upper parts of the MurrayDarling and other south-draining river systems.

SWA The region of south-western Australia within which permanent fresh streams and rivers occur; south of 27ºS to 116ºE, south-west of a line between 27ºS/116ºE and 33ºS/119ºE, and south of 33ºS from 119ºE to the Great Australian Bight. TAS Tasmania. VIC Victoria.

Species guide

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The Australian Dragonflies took a conservative approach to the classification of the Australian dragonflies. Hawking & Theischinger (1999) followed a more elaborate system presented by Bechly (1996), who comprehensively treated the whole order Odonata on a worldwide basis, including the fossil taxa. In the first edition, based on certain criticisms of Bechly’s system, we returned to the use of Lestoideidae instead of Hypolestidae and Chlorocyphidae instead of Libellaginidae. In this second edition, the nomenclature and arrangement of families is based on Dijkstra et al. (2013) and Kalkman & Theischinger (2013) and differs from that of the first edition as follows: Second edition



First edition

Synlestidae Chorismagrionidae and Synlestidae Lestoideidae Diphlebiidae and Lestoideidae Argiolestidae Megapodagrionidae Platycnemididae Protoneuridae Anisoptera Epiproctophora/Anisoptera Austropetaliidae Archipetaliidae and Austropetaliidae Aeshnidae Telephlebiidae and Aeshnidae Gomphidae Gomphidae and Lindeniidae Libellulidae Urothemistidae and Libellulidae Corduliidae Corduliidae and Hemicorduliidae Libelluloidea incertae sedis Gomphomacromiidae, Pseudocorduliidae, Austrocorduliidae, Oxygastridae, Cordulephyidae

Several easily diagnosable units (morphologically very distinct genera or groups of genera, some formerly often considered as distinct subfamilies or families) are, within the now generally recognised monophyletic taxa (generally families), made to stand out as genus groups informally named after the unique or most prominent Australian genus and briefly commented on. Geographical distribution

This book follows Watson et al. (1991) in using defined geographical regions for describing the distribution of Australian dragonfly species. The regions of Australia referred to in the distribution maps are shown opposite. These regions, recognised on broadly ecological grounds, were delimited arbitrarily, for practical reasons. For each species on the following pages, the known distribution within Australia is given in a map, and only the extra-limital distribution is given in the text. Colouration

Colouration of adult and larval dragonflies can vary considerably according to age, sex, locality, habitat etc. Even natural photographs may not be adequate to identify a species. In this guide computer scans, often from preserved specimens, are used when life photographs are not available. As preserved specimens usually show additional loss of colour, particularly of the adults’ eyes, many diagrams of structural characters and patterns are presented in order to facilitate identifications.

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Species guide

Nososticta kalumburu pair in ‘wheel’ position.

Species guide

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Size

The approximate size of dragonflies is indicated as follows: for damselflies: tiny small medium-sized large very large

wing span less than about 25 mm wing span about 25­–35 mm wing span about 35–50 mm wing span about 50–75 mm wing span more than about 75 mm

for dragonflies proper: tiny small medium-sized large very large enormous

wing span less than about 40 mm wing span about 40–60 mm wing span about 60–85 mm wing span about 85–115 mm wing span about 115–150 mm wing span more than 150 mm

Flight periods

While geographical distribution is often useful for facilitating or confirming identification, flight periods of Australian dragonflies are generally too variable for that. There are only a few definite spring species, like the species of Austropetalia, which appear early in the year even at high elevations, and a few more or less definite autumn species such as Dendroaeschna conspersa and most Cordulephya species. Some of the more common species like Hemianax papuensis, Hemicordulia tau and australiae and the Diplacodes species can appear early and/or late in the year but some individuals can be seen on the wing throughout the year. The adults of most species, however, appear in summer, generally somewhat earlier at lower elevations and in more open situations, somewhat later at higher elevations and in shaded situations. It seems that the timing of dry and wet periods within the seasons also significantly influences emergence and flight periods of adult dragonflies. • The accounts of genera and species that follow are complemented by line drawings of diagnostic characters, distribution maps and colour photographs or computer scans. A comparison between this information and a dragonfly individual should make possible the identification to species of most Australian adults and final instar larvae or exuviae. Thus, with the present field guide and some experience, dragonfly identification can be done in the field, and dragonflies can subsequently be released. The length/width index of the larval prementum is based on greatest length and greatest width. The information given under groups (taxa) including more than one subordinate group (taxon) applies to all Australian members of the group so that only species-specific information has to be given under the species. Within any given genus, species are treated in an order of visual overall similarity. In this second edition the keys for the identification of adults are followed by painted portraits, the keys for the identification of larvae by live photographs and habitus drawings.

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Species guide

Nannophya fenshami (males)

Nannophya fenshami (Artesian Pygmyfly), found at/in artesian springs, is one of Australia’s and the world’s smallest dragonflies (wingspan less than 30 mm). This tiny species was described after the deadline for the manuscript of this second edition of the field guide and is therefore presented here. Adult: Mature male strongly pruinescent, abdomen appearing entirely bluish grey except for the red anal appendages. Female black with distinct yellow pattern similar to Nannophya australis. Larva: Differs strongly from N. australis by having a continuous fringe of more than 50 setae of similar length along the distal border of the labial palp.

Species guide

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Petalura ingentissima (male)

Petalura ingentissima from tropical rainforest in Queensland is probably the world’s most massive dragonfly (wingspan up to 175 mm). This enormous species was inspiring Ray Andress to do this water colour painting.

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Hemiphlebiidae • Synlestidae

Family HEMIPHLEBIIDAE Hemiphlebiidae is a monotypic family endemic to south-eastern Australia.

Genus Hemiphlebia Hemiphlebia mirabilis Ancient Greenling

This is the only known species of the genus. A tiny, metallic-green damselfly with very long body and short, clear wings, it inhabits rivers, riverine lagoons, permanent ponds and swamps that may dry out in summer. Adult: Discoidal cell of the forewing open (A). CuP almost straight in first cell beyond discoidal cell (B). Male inferior anal appendages and female anal appendages large, pale. Larva: Labium with paraglossae (C). Caudal gills lamellate, denodate and arranged vertically.

A

B

C

Family SYNLESTIDAE – Chorismagrion group The only genus Chorismagrion is monotypic and confined to north-eastern Queensland.

Genus Chorismagrion Chorismagrion risi Pretty Relict

This is the only known species of the genus. A medium-sized, very slender, black damselfly with whitish markings, it inhabits rainforest streams and is found particularly in larger pools. Adult: Discoidal cell of forewing open (A). Segment 10 and anal appendages of both sexes dark. Larva (B): Total length 15–18 mm. Premental ligula cleft into two semicircular lobes (C). No premental or palpal setae. First four antennal segments subequal in length (D). Caudal gills lamellate, denodate and arranged vertically; tips rounded (E).

A

D

B

C

E

Hemiphlebiidae • Synlestidae

Hemiphlebia mirabilis (male)

Chorismagrion risi (female and male)

Chorismagrion risi (male)

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Synlestidae

Family SYNLESTIDAE – ungrouped genera These synlestids are large damselflies, very dark to dark metallic, with pale markings. They often perch with their wings spread, which is unusual for damsel­flies. They occur in South Africa, South-East Asia and Australia. Two endemic genera are known from Australia. In them the discoidal cell of both wings is closed. Vein CuP is strongly arched forward in the first cell beyond the discoidal cell. The premental ligula of the larva is split into two lobes by a well-developed, deep median cleft. There are no premental and no palpal setae. The caudal gills are short, lamellate, denodate and arranged vertically.

Genus Synlestes

These are large to very large damselflies, metallic green to dark bronze or black in colour, marked with white, yellow and orange. The anal appendages in both sexes and at least segment 10 of the female are substantially dark. Synlestes species usually rest with the wings partly or fully spread. The larvae (A) have subtriangular lobes (B) on the petiolate prementum (C) . The scape is as long as antennal segments 2+3+4 (D). The femora are apically armed with two heavy spines (E). The apex of the caudal gills is bluntly pointed (F). Three species of Synlestes are recognised from eastern Australia. Geographic distribution has to be used for specific identification of larvae.

B

C

A

D

E

F

Synlestes weyersii Bronze Needle

Inhabits streams and rivers. It has not been recorded from northern Queensland. Adult: Pronotum black or metallic, with yellow anterior and posterior margins. Pterostigma yellowish to brown, longer than 2.0 mm, generally overlying three to five cells (A). Male inferior appendages extending beyond inner basal prong of superiors; superiors without inner, subapical tooth (B). Larva: Total length 24–36 mm. Characters as given for genus Synlestes. Subspecies: Three are recognised: S. w. nigrescens from south-eastern New South Wales, primarily the Sydney region, is largely black or dull bronze and has at most an indistinct, pale humeral line (C). S. w. weyersii, known only from certain areas in Victoria, and S. w. tillyardi, ranging from south-­eastern Queensland to Victoria, are largely brilliant metallic green or brownish red. Generally there is a distinct, pale humeral stripe, as wide as the metallic stripe immediately behind it, in S. w. weyersii (D), and much narrower, sometimes even missing, in S. w. tillyardi (E).

A

B

C

D

E

Synlestidae

Synlestes weyersii (female and larva)

Synlestes weyersii (male)

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Synlestidae

Synlestes selysi Forest Needle Inhabits streams. Known only south from Eungella. Adult: Pronotum pale or ochreous, without black or metallic markings; proepimeron pale ochreous with brownish black or metallic patch on upper surface (A). Pterostigma dark brown to black, less than 2 mm long, generally overlying two cells, sometimes three (B). Male inferior appendages not reaching apex of inner basal prong of superiors; superiors with inner, subapical tooth (C, D). Larva: Total length 21–29 mm. Very similar to S. weyersii.

A

B

D

C

Synlestes tropicus Tropical Needle

Inhabits streams, usually in rainforest. Known only north from Paluma, Queensland Adult: Pronotum and pterostigma much as in S. selysi; proepimeron pale ochreous without dark marks. Male inferior appendages not reaching apex of inner basal prong of superiors; superiors without inner, subapical tooth (A, B). Larva: Total length 22–32 mm. Very similar to S. weyersii.

A

B

Genus Episynlestes

These are large but very slender damselflies, dull bronze black, marked with white. The anal appendages in both sexes and at least segment 10 of the females are substantially white. The base of the male superior anal appendages bears a unique dorsal armature. The larvae (A) have the lobes (B) of the elongate prementum (C) trapezoidal. Antennal segments 1, 2, 3 and 4 are similar in length (D). The femora are apically unarmed (E). The apex of the caudal gills is truncate (F). Three species of Episynlestes are recognised mainly from north-eastern Australia. Geographic distribution is useful for specific identification of adults and larvae.

A

B

C

D

E

F

Synlestidae

Synlestes selysi (female and larva)

Synlestes tropicus (male and female)

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Synlestidae

Episynlestes albicauda Southern Whitetip

Inhabits streams, usually in rainforest, and occurs in pools with accumulated detritus and amongst tree roots along the stream margin. It has not been recorded from northern Queensland. Adult: Dorsal armature of male superior anal appendages small (A). Female hindwing generally longer than 30 mm, pterostigma 1.8–2.2 mm. Larva: Total length 24–31mm. Characters as given for genus Episynlestes.

A

Episynlestes cristatus Tropical Whitetip

Inhabits streams, usually in rainforest. It is known only north from Paluma. Adult: Male superior anal appendages with dorsal armature large, and inner branch bifid (A, B). Female hindwing generally shorter than 30 mm, pterostigma 1.5–1.9 mm. Larva: Total length 21–28 mm. Very similar to E. albicauda.

A

B

Episynlestes intermedius Intermediate Whitetip

Inhabits streams. It is known only from the Eungella area. Adult: Male superior anal appendages with dorsal armature large, and inner branch step-like (A). Female hindwing generally longer than 30 mm, pterostigma 1.8–2.2 mm. Larva: Total length 25–27 mm. Very similar to E. albicauda.

A

Synlestidae

Episynlestes albicauda (male)

Episynlestes cristatus (male)

Episynlestes intermedius (male)

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Lestidae

Family LESTIDAE Lestids are medium-sized to large damselflies with pterostigma profoundly elongate in both wings. They have a long anal vein, and intercalated veins in the distal portion of the wings. The anterior sector of arculus forks closer to the arculus than to the subnodus. The larvae have a prementum with median cleft, and premental and palpal setae are well developed. The labial palps are deeply forked. The caudal gills are long and narrow, lamellate, denodate, apically rounded and held vertically. The gill tracheoles are almost perpendicular to the mid-tracheal vein. Three genera occur in Australia, none of them is endemic.

Genus Lestes Lestes concinnus Dusky Spreadwing

The only Australian species of the cosmopolitan genus, it is found from India through southern and eastern Asia to New Caledonia. A medium-sized drab brown to greenish damselfly, resting with the wings spread. Apparently nomadic, it inhabits riverine lagoons, ponds (including temporary ponds) and swamps. Adult: Front of synthorax without distinct markings. Discoidal cell of hindwing less than 1.1 times length of forewing quadrilateral (A). Larva: Prementum petiolate (B); outer portion of labial palps shaped like a fork of two slightly dissimilar branches; inner portion with long, thin, claw-shaped beak (C).

A

B

C

Genus Austrolestes

These are medium-sized to large damselflies. Mature males are usually bright blue and black, females duller. The pale areas on subadults are pale brown or bluish. The front of the synthorax is unicolorous or marked with an almost parallel sided pale stripe each side (A, B). The discoidal cell of the hindwing is more than 1.15 times, usually 1.3–1.5 times, as long as the forewing quadrilateral (C). Generally (except in A. insularis) the central portion of the pterostigma overlies one or more crossveins (D). The larvae have the outer portion of the labial palps bifid, with dissimilar branches, or trifid; the inner portion has a short, subtriangular and only slightly curved beak (E). Ten species of Austrolestes are known from ­Australia. Members of this genus also occur in New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific.

A

B

C

D

E

Austrolestes aleison Western Ringtail Adults are known from riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary ponds. Adult: Pale humeral stripe restricted to front of synthorax (A). Ac distal to Ax1 in forewing (B). Black dorsal mark on abdominal tergum 2 of male strongly constricted at centre and without pale mid-dorsal stripe (C); terga 3–7 dark, with pale basal ring, that on 7 c. 10% of length of segment. Male superior anal appendages forcipate. Larva: Much as A. psyche.

A

B

C

Lestidae

Lestes concinnus (female)

Austrolestes aleison (male)

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Lestidae

Austrolestes psyche Cup Ringtail

Inhabits riverine pools, lakes, swamps and ponds, sometimes ­temporary. Adult: Much as A. aleison. Difference: Dorsal mark on abdominal ­tergum 2 of male only slightly constricted at centre (A). Larva: Total length 21–23 mm. Prementum not petiolate, length/width ratio c. 1.40, ligula slightly bilobed (B); outer portion of labial palps trifid.

A

B

Austrolestes minjerriba Dune Ringtail

Inhabits brown, acidic dune lakes and swamps. Adult: Humeral stripe not or very slightly (A) extending across mesopleural suture. Ac distal to Ax1 in forewing. Black dorsal mark on tergum 2 of male slightly constricted at centre, and either with central pale spot or partly or completely divided by V-shaped band (B). Abdominal terga 3–7 with pale basal ring, that on 7 c. 20% length of segment (C). Male superior anal appendages forcipate. Larva: Total length 22–27 mm. Prementum very slender (length/width ratio >2.00) and petiolate, ligula strongly produced medially (D); outer portion of labial palps trifid (E).

A

B

C

D

Austrolestes analis Slender Ringtail

E

Inhabits riverine pools, lakes, swamps and ponds, including temporary ponds. The larvae are generally associated with vegetation. Adult: Pale humeral stripe substantially crossing mesopleural suture at upper end; only upper one-quarter of metapleural suture marked black (A). Abdominal segment 9 of male predominantly dark above; superior appendages sinuate (B). Larva: Total length 26–28 mm. Prementum rather slender (length/width ratio c. 1.70) and petiolate; outer portion of labial palps bifid, with inner branch widening into a broad, serrated edge (C). Lateral spines on segments 5–9 or 6–9.

A

B

C

Lestidae

Austrolestes psyche (larva)

Austrolestes psyche (male)

Austrolestes minjerriba (male)

Austrolestes analis (male)

Austrolestes analis (larva)

Austrolestes analis (female)

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Lestidae

Austrolestes aridus Inland Ringtail Inhabits streams, riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary ponds. Adult: Much as A. analis. Differences: Metapleural suture narrowly lined with black from subalar ridge to spiracle (A). Abdominal segment 9 of male predominantly pale above; superior appendages forcipate (B). Larva: Total length 30–32 mm. Much as A. analis. Differences: Length/width ratio of prementum c. 1.90. Lateral spines on abdominal segments 3–9 or 4–9.

A

B

Austrolestes annulosus Blue Ringtail

Inhabits riverine pools, lakes and ponds, including temporary ponds. Adult: Pale humeral stripe restricted to front of synthorax. Ac proximal to Ax1 in forewing (A). Abdominal tergum 2 of male pale with dark base and short, dark posterior mark; terga 3–7 substantially pale, with ­forward-pointing, dark arrowhead on posterior half (B). Male superior anal appendages ­forcipate (C). Larva: Total length 29–31 mm. Prementum not petiolate, length/width ratio c. 1.30, ligula slightly curved (D); outer portion of labial palps trifid.

A

B

C

D

Austrolestes cingulatus Metallic Ringtail

Inhabits rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps and alpine bogs; found amongst vegetation. Adult: Dark areas strongly metallic. Pale humeral stripe restricted to front of synthorax. Ac proximal to Ax1 in forewing. Abdominal tergum 2 of male dark distally, with basal pale semicircular, triangular or pointed half-oval mark (A). Male superior anal appendages sinuate (B). Larva: Total length 29–31 mm. Prementum not petiolate, length/width ratio 1.40–1.50, ligula slightly bilobed (C); outer portion of labial palps bifid, with ­inner branch subdivided into a pointed and an elongate truncate lobe (D).

A

B

C

D

Lestidae

Austrolestes aridus (male)

Austrolestes annulosus (male)

Austrolestes cingulatus (male)

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Lestidae

Austrolestes leda Wandering Ringtail

Inhabits a wide range of still and sluggish waters; the larva is found on submerged vegetation and organic detritus on mud. Adult: Median lobe of pronotum dark laterally (A); pale humeral stripe not or only slightly ­extending across mesopleural suture. Abdominal tergum 2 dark above, with pale mid-dorsal stripe over entire length, broad in male (B), n ­ arrower in female (C). Male superior anal appendages forcipate. Larva: Total length 22–24 mm. Prementum not petiolate, length/width ratio c. 1.50, l­igula medially produced (D); outer portion of labial palps bifid, with inner branch subdivided into a pointed and very short truncate lobe (E).

A

B

D

C

E

Austrolestes io Iota Ringtail

Inhabits riverine pools, lakes, ponds (including temporary ponds) and swamps. Adult: Much as A. leda. Differences: Median lobe of pronotum with pale lateral margin (A); pale humeral stripe always slightly extending across mesopleural suture. Abdominal tergum 2 of male with pale, n ­ arrow mid-dorsal line over distal one-third to one-half only (B). Larva: Total length 21–23 mm. Prementum petiolate, length/width ratio c. 1.60, l­igula medially produced (C); outer portion of labial palps bifid, with inner branch subdivided into a pointed and short truncate lobe (D).

A

B

C

D

Austrolestes insularis Northern Ringtail

Adults frequent riverine lagoons and ponds, including temporary ponds. Adult: Ac far beyond level of Ax1 (A); pterostigma overlying crossveins of adjoining row only near each end (B). Abdominal tergum 2 marked with dark longitudinal stripe on each side of broad, pale midline (C), or with ill-defined darker marks on pale background (D). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

Lestidae

Austrolestes leda (male)

Austrolestes io (male)

Austrolestes insularis (male)

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Lestidae

Genus Indolestes

The Australian members of this genus are medium-sized damselflies, dull in colour. They have a metallic stripe on each side of the front of the synthorax, expanded laterally near the centre to form a brownish or green spot (A, under I. tenuissimus). The discoidal cell of the hindwing is more than 1.15 times, usually 1.3–1.5 times, as long as the forewing quadrilateral. Only the larva of I. tenuissimus is known. Indolestes ranges from Asia to the South Pacific. Three species, two of them endemic, are known from Australia.

Indolestes alleni Small Reedling

This is the smallest species of the genus. It inhabits riverine lagoons, ponds and swamps. Adult: Male hindwing shorter than 20 mm and ­female ­hindwing shorter than 21 mm. Male superior anal appendages forcipate. Larva: Unknown.

Indolestes obiri Cave Reedling

Adults frequent shallow caves and overhangs along the Arnhem Land e­scarpment. Larval habitats are shady pools in rocky areas. Adult: Metapleural suture with dark spot at upper end and narrow dark stripe over much or all of its lower course (A). Hindwing of male at least 20 mm, of female at least 21 mm long. Male superior anal appendages forcipate (B). Larva: Undescribed.

B A Indolestes tenuissimus Slender Reedling

Inhabits riverine pools, ponds and swamps. Adult: Front of synthorax is diagnostic for genus Indolestes (A). Metapleural suture marked brown only at upper end (B). Hindwing of male at least 20 mm, of female at least 21 mm long. Male superior anal appendages sinuate (C). Larva: Prementum petiolate; outer portion of the labial palps bifid, with subequal branches (D). Notes: Also found in New Guinea and Aru.

A

B

C

D

Lestidae

Indolestes alleni (male)

Indolestes tenuissimus (male and tandem)

Indolestes obiri (male)

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Chlorocyphidae • Calopterygidae

Family CHLOROCYPHIDAE Record from Australia doubtful.

Genus Rhinocypha

Only one genus of the Chlorocyphidae has been recorded from Australia: Rhinocypha. Bechly (1996), followed by Hawking & Theischinger (1999), included Rhinocypha in Libellaginidae.

Rhinocypha tincta semitincta Papuan Jewel

This is the only Australian member of the genus which ranges from eastern and south-eastern Asia (Moluccas) to the south-west Pacific (Solomon Islands). A medium-sized and stocky damselfly, black with blue markings, it is known to live in streams and rivers. Adult: The distal half or more of the wings blackish brown. Wings with numerous antenodals in both costal and subcostal spaces (A) and with distinct pterostigma (B). Abdomen shorter than wings. Larva: Similar to the illustrated Heliocypha fenestrata from Java (C). Short and stout. Median caudal gill strongly reduced in size. Note: The 19th century records of this species from Cape York have not been confirmed.

A

B

C

Family CALOPTERYGIDAE Record from Australia doubtful.

Genus Neurobasis

Only one genus of Calopterygidae has been recorded from Australia.

Neurobasis australis Papuan Demoiselle

This is the only Australian species of the South-East Asian genus, Neurobasis. A large, long-legged, metallic-green damselfly, it is found over streams and rivers. Adult: Numerous antenodals in both costal and subcostal spaces; pterostigma absent (A). Abdomen longer than wings. Hindwing of male vivid metallic green blue in the basal three-fifths and blackish brown beyond. Larva: Similar to the illustrated Neurobasis chinensis from Eastern Asia (B). Very slender. Antennae and caudal gills long. Median gill lamellate, lateral gills triquetral. Note: Occurs also in New Guinea. The early record of this species from Cape York has not been confirmed.

A

B

Chlorocyphidae • Calopterygidae

Rhinocypha tincta semitincta (male)

Neurobasis australis (male and female)

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Lestoideidae

Family LESTOIDEIDAE – Lestoidea group The tropical Australian genus Lestoidea is the only genus of this group.

Genus Lestoidea

These are medium-sized to large damselflies, dark brown to black with dull orange to greenish or bluish markings. The anterior sector of arculus forks closer to the arculus than to the subnodus. The anal vein is vestigial (A, B). The pterostigma is profoundly elongate. The larvae (C) are rather flat and have saccoid caudal gills of about one-quarter body length. The inner tooth of the labial palps is stout (D). Lestoidea is endemic to north-eastern Australia; four species have been described.

A

B

Lestoidea conjuncta Common Bluestreak

C

D

Inhabits streams in rainforest. Adult: A pale spot at the base of each antenna. Male superior appendages perpendicularly bent ventrad, basal portion slim and with small ventral tooth, apex distinctly truncate; inferior appendages with end-lobe rather long and slim (A–C). Female pronotum with medial portion of posterior lobe narrow, subtriangular to widely rounded, the lateral margins narrow and not markedly upturned (D, E). Larva: Characters as given for genus Lestoidea.

A

B

D

C

E

Lestoidea brevicauda Short-tipped Bluestreak

Inhabits streams in rainforest. Adult: A pale spot at the base of each antenna. Male superior appendages almost perpendicularly bent ventrad, basal portion stout and with substantial ventral tooth, apex not distinctly truncate; inferior appendages with end-lobe short, claw-shaped (A–C). Female pronotum with medial portion of posterior lobe wide and widely rounded, the lateral margins broad and markedly upturned (D, E). Larva: Similar to L. conjuncta.

A

B

C

D

E

Lestoideidae

Lestoidea conjuncta (male)

Lestoidea brevicauda (female)

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Lestoideidae

Lestoidea lewisiana Mount Lewis Bluestreak Inhabits streams in rainforest. Known only from Mt Lewis, Queensland. Adult: Anterior frons medially black, laterally pale. No pale spot at antennal bases. Basal and apical portion of male superior appendages including a moderately wide angle (as seen in lateral view); basal portion with substantial ventral tooth, apex not distinctly truncate; inferior appendages with end-lobe long and rather slim (A–C). Female pronotum with medial portion of posterior lobe wide and widely rounded, the lateral margins broad and markedly upturned (D, E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

D

C

E



Lestoidea barbarae Large Bluestreak

Inhabits streams in rainforest. Adult: Basal and apical portion of male superior appendages including a wide angle (as seen in lateral view); basal portion without distinct ventral tooth; inferior appendages with end-lobe long, slim and apically rounded (A–C). Posterior lobe of female pronotum not differentiated into medial and lateral portions (D, E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

D

E

C

Lestoideidae

Lestoidea lewisiana (male)

Lestoidea barbarae (male)

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Lestoideidae

Family LESTOIDEIDAE – Diphlebia group Only one genus.

Genus Diphlebia

These are large to very large, thickset damselflies. Except for one species that extends to New Guinea, Diphlebia is confined to eastern Australia. Five species are known. The males are vividly patterned, blue or bluish green and black; the wings generally bear blackish brown or white markings. Several antenodal crossveins are present but only the basal two extend across costal and subcostal spaces (A). The larvae (B) are rather wide and flat and have long saccoid gills. The inner tooth of the labial palps is elongate (C). The specific characters of the larval prementum, taken from Stewart (1980b), are shown in D: a = (mid-ventral) length; b = distal width; c = basal width; d = length of median lobe. d

b

A

a

B

C

D

Diphlebia lestoides Whitewater Rockmaster

c

Inhabits streams and rivers, the larva occurring on the underside of large rocks and cobbles. Adult: Terga 4–6 of male largely blue to grey, segment 10 and superior appendages largely blue above. Wings with or without white cross-bar and darkened tip. Terga 2–7 of female with dark mid-­ dorsal line of almost uniform width, or missing; segments 8 and 9 black with pale markings (A). Larva: Total length c. 21 mm. Prementum at the most as wide as long, basally at the most half as wide as long; basal margins ventrally smooth; ligula short with distal margin widely rounded. Caudal gills about one-third total length. Subspecies: Two are recognised: D. l. lestoides from south of the Hunter River, NSW and D. l. tillyardi from north of the Hunter River, NSW. A

Diphlebia hybridoides Giant Rockmaster

Inhabits streams in closed canopy rainforest. Adult: Terga 4–6 of male largely blue to grey above, segment 10 and superior appendages black. Wings with or without broad, brownish cross-bar. Terga 2–7 of female without distinct dark mid-dorsal line; segments 8–10 entirely black (A). Larva: Total length c. 21 mm. Proportions and shape of the prementum including ligula (B) much as given for D. lestoides; basal margins ventrally with group of rounded protuberances (C). Caudal gills about one-third total length.

A

B

C

Lestoideidae

Diphlebia lestoides (male)

Diphlebia hybridoides (male)

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Lestoideidae

Diphlebia coerulescens Sapphire Rockmaster Inhabits streams and rapid rivers. Adult: Mature male with wings extensively darkened. Terga 4–6 black with blue basal spots usually very distinct (A). Female abdomen with dark mid-dorsal line on terga 2 and 3 conspicuous but considerably narrower than on 4–7 (B), and with lateral stripe on terga 4–7 broad and only slightly widened basally (C); segments 8 and 9 black with pale markings. Larva: Total length c. 17 mm. Proportions and shape of the prementum much as given for D. lestoides, but ligula long with distal margin narrowly rounded; basal margins of prementum ventrally smooth. Caudal gills shorter than one-third total length.

A

B

C

Diphlebia euphoeoides Tropical Rockmaster

Inhabits streams and rivers, including those that dry to pools. Occurs also in New Guinea. Adult: Mature male with wings extensively darkened. Terga 4–6 black with blue basal spots usually very small and indistinct, or absent (A). Female abdomen with dark mid-dorsal line on terga 2 and 3 very fine or absent (B); segments 8 and 9 black with pale markings. Larva: Total length c. 18 mm. Prementum wider than long, basally wider than half length; hooks of palps long, rather strongly curved. Caudal gills short and stout.

A

B

Diphlebia nymphoides Arrowhead Rockmaster

Inhabits streams and rivers, including slow and intermittently flowing ­rivers; larva occurs amongst detritus in pools, generally along stream margins. Adult: Terga 4–6 of male black with large blue patch each side (A). Female abdomen with dark mid-dorsal line on terga 2 and 3 conspicuous but considerably narrower than on 4–7 (B); lateral stripe on terga 4–7 narrow, L-shaped (C); segments 8 and 9 black with pale markings. Larva: Total length c. 20 mm. Proportions of prementum much as in D. euphoeoides; hooks of palps small and slightly curved (D). Caudal gills long and slender.

A

B

C

D

Lestoideidae

Diphlebia coerulescens (male)

Diphlebia coerulescens (female)

Diphlebia euphoeoides (female)

Diphlebia euphoeoides (male)

Diphlebia nymphoides (male)

Diphlebia nymphoides (male)

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Argiolestidae

Family ARGIOLESTIDAE Argiolestidae are small to very large damselflies that spread their wings at rest. They have a long anal vein, a short pterostigma, and intercalated veins in the distal portion of the wings. The anterior sector of arculus forks closer to the subnodus than to the arculus. The larvae have a flat prementum with median cleft and lack premental setae. The caudal gills are leaf-shaped and spread horizontally. Five genera of Argiolestidae are known from northern, eastern and south-western Australia; four of them appear to be Australian endemics.

Genus Archiargiolestes

These are small damselflies, black metallic with pale markings not including humeral stripes. The line of junction between dark and light areas of the synthorax is irregular, and there is no black marking on the metepimeron (A). Costal and distal sides of the discoidal cell of the forewing are subequal in length (B). The anal cells are wider than long or square. The male superior anal appendages bear an inner tooth. The larvae (C) have tridentate labial palps (D), rounded postocular lobes and long, spinulose, leaf-shaped caudal gills with tapered apex and terminal stylus. Archiargiolestes is endemic to south-western Australia; three species are known.

A

B

C

Archiargiolestes pusillissimus Tiny Flatwing

Inhabits streams, boggy seepages and swamps, including summer-dry swamps. Primarily south-coastal in distribution. Adult: Male superior anal appendages evenly curved so that anterior margin of inner, single-peaked tooth and body axis include an angle of c. 45° if tips of appendages touch at imaginary midline (A). Larva: Characters as given for genus Archiargiolestes.

A

Archiargiolestes parvulus Midget Flatwing

Inhabits boggy seepages and swamps, including summer-dry swamps. Primarily west-coastal in distribution. Adult: Male superior anal appendages strongly curved so that anterior margin of inner, single-peaked tooth is almost perpendicular to body axis if tips of appendages touch at imaginary midline (A). Larva: Similar to A. pusillissimus.

A

Archiargiolestes pusillus Little Flatwing

Inhabits streams, boggy seepages and swamps, including summer-dry swamps. Adult: Male superior anal appendages strongly curved; inner tooth with broad crown, often forming two rounded peaks (A). Larva: Similar to A. pusillissimus.

A

D

Argiolestidae

Archiargiolestes pusillissimus (male)

Archiargiolestes parvulus (male)

Archiargiolestes pusillus (male)

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Argiolestidae

Genus Miniargiolestes Miniargiolestes minimus Stream Flatwing

The only known species of the apparently endemic south-western Australian genus, M. minimus inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Small, black to green metallic with whitish markings not including humeral stripes. Line of junction between anterior dark metallic green and whitish pigmentation of synthoracic pleura almost straight (A). Forewing Ac much closer to Ax2 than to Ax1; basal anal cell about as long as the discoidal cell (B). Basally thickened male superior anal appendages with low ventral subterminal flange (C). Larva (D): Labial palps tridentate (E). Postocular lobes flared (strongly angulated). Caudal gills long, spiny, leaf-shaped with terminal stylus.

A

B

C

D

E

Genus Griseargiolestes

These are medium-sized damselflies, black to green metallic with pale markings including humeral stripes (A). Some of them are pruinose when mature. They generally have two, sometimes three, cells in discoidal field between discoidal cell and level of subnodus (B). The male superior anal appendages possess a low medio-ventral flange terminating in a tooth (C, D). The larvae (E) have bidentate labial palps without setae (F). The postocular lobes are rounded, and the caudal gills are short and have a terminal stylus. Griseargiolestes is endemic to eastern Australia. Seven species are recognised.

A

C D

E

F

B

Griseargiolestes griseus Grey Flatwing

Inhabits boggy seepages and peat bogs along the margins of small streams. Only south of the Hunter River. Adult: Often strongly pruinose, particularly on thorax and anterior abdominal segments. Labium dark. Median lobe of pronotum with pale patch each side; mesepimeral portion of humeral stripe much wider than adjacent part of episternal portion; anterior portion of metakatepisternum black; black marking on metepimeron extensive (A). Male anal appendages brown to black, superiors evenly curved, inferiors blunt (B); female valves almost completely brown to black. Larva: Length/width ratio of prementum c. 1.20; approximately 15 denticles on each lobe of premental ligula. Caudal gills widely oval.

A

B

Argiolestidae

Miniargiolestes minimus (male)

Griseargiolestes griseus (male)

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Argiolestidae

Griseargiolestes intermedius Alpine Flatwing

Adults have been collected from boggy seepages, swamps and bogs associated with streams. Only in the Australian Alps. Adult: Pruinose all over. Colouration, thoracic pattern and shape of male anal appendages much as in G. griseus. Differences: Mesepimeral portion of humeral stripe about as wide as adjacent part of episternal portion. Larva: Similar to G. griseus.

Griseargiolestes eboracus Grey-chested Flatwing

Inhabits boggy seepages and sphagnum bogs. Adult: Pruinose on syn­ thorax. Colouration, thoracic pattern and shape of male anal appendages much as in G. griseus. Differences: Mesepimeral portion of humeral stripe about as wide as adjacent part of episternal portion (A). Male inferior appendages and base of female valves adjacent to segment 9 largely ­yellow. Larva: Length/width ratio of prementum c. 1.10 (B); approximately 20 denticles on each lobe of premental ligula (C). Caudal gills widely oval.

A

B

C

Griseargiolestes albescens Coastal Flatwing

Inhabits streams, boggy seepages, swamps and possibly dune lakes. Adult: Strongly pruinose, particularly on sides of thorax and terminal abdominal segments. Labium dark. Median lobe of pronotum lacking pale patches; mesepimeral portion of humeral stripe about as wide as adjacent part of episternal portion; metakatepisternum entirely yellow; black marking on metepimeron short and narrow (A). Male superior anal appendages evenly curved, inferiors apically blunt (B). Larva: Length/width ratio of prementum c. 1.30 (C), approximately 15 denticles on each lobe of ligula. Caudal gills narrow, slightly pointed (D).

A

B

C

D

Argiolestidae

Griseargiolestes intermedius (male and larva)

Griseargiolestes eboracus (male)

Griseargiolestes albescens (male)

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Argiolestidae

Griseargiolestes bucki Turquoise Flatwing

Inhabits seepage along streams and possibly sphagnum bogs. Only north of the Hunter River. Adult: Hardly pruinose. Colouration and synthoracic pattern much as in G. albescens. Differences: Median lobe of pronotum with pale patch on each side; anterior portion of metakatepisternum dark; black marking on metepimeron more extensive (A). Male superior anal appendages bent, inferiors blunt (B). Larva: Total length 15–17 mm. Length/width ratio of prementum c. 1.20, approximately 15 denticles on each lobe of ligula (C). Caudal gills widely oval (D).

A

B

C

D

Griseargiolestes fontanus Springs Flatwing

Adults have been recorded from streams, particularly near their springs. Only north from New England Tableland. Adult: Hardly pruinose. Colouration and synthoracic pattern much as in G. albescens. Differences: Median lobe of pronotum with pale patch on each side; anterior portion of metakatepisternum dark; black marking on metepimeron much more extensive (A). Male superior anal appendages strongly bent, inferiors pointed (B). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

Griseargiolestes metallicus Metallic Flatwing

Adults have been collected along streams. Adult: Non-pruinose. Labium pale. Median lobe of pronotum with pale patch on each side; mesepimeral portion of humeral stripe about as wide as adjacent part of episternal portion; anterior portion of metakatepisternum black; black marking on metepimeron reduced to tiny patch (A). Male superior appendages widely and evenly curved, inferiors bifid (B). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

Argiolestidae

Griseargiolestes bucki (male)

Griseargiolestes fontanus (male)

Griseargiolestes metallicus (female)

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Argiolestidae

Genus Austroargiolestes

These are medium-sized to large damselflies, bronze black with pale markings including humeral stripes, and often with strong pruinescence (A). They generally have three or more cells, rarely two in discoidal field between discoidal cell and level of subnodus (B). The basally thickened male superior anal appendages possess a ventral subapical spur (C). The larvae (D) have an elongate, markedly tapered prementum, tridentate labial palps without palpal setae (E) and rounded to angulated postocular lobes. The caudal gills are long and broader in the apical than in the basal half; the apex is widely rounded with a tiny tip, and there is no terminal stylus in the final instar. Austroargiolestes is endemic to eastern Australia. Ten species are known. Characters distinguishing the larvae at specific levels are not yet available.

A

B

C

E

D

Austroargiolestes icteromelas Common Flatwing

Inhabits streams and rivers, including those that dry to pools. Adult: Black and pale. Anterior frons, clypeus and labrum largely black; outer face of mandible pale. Front of synthorax black with pale episternal part of humeral stripe narrow and acutely pointed at mesopleural suture, often pruinose. Black patch on metepimeron long, mostly tapered and pointed (A, B). Male superior anal appendages with ventral spur not visible from above; inferior appendages almost triangular with pointed tips (C, D). Larva: Total length 22–26 mm. Characters as given for genus Austro­argiolestes. Subspecies: Two subspecies are recognised. Austroargiolestes i. icteromelas (Pale-mouth CF) with labium largely pale, yellowish white (E), from the more southern and cooler parts of the range, and Austroargiolestes i. nigrolabiatus (Black-mouth CF) with labium largely brownish black (F), from the more northern and warmer regions.

A

B

C

Austroargiolestes amabilis Flame Flatwing

D

E

Adults are found along streams, usually in rainforest. Adult: Black and vivid yellow to orange, not pruinose. At least anterior frons and postclypeus largely orange (A). Abdominal tergum 2 black with conspicuous whitish to orange dorsal mark, shaped like a thick-stemmed wine glass (B). Male anal appendages as illustrated (C). Larva: Unknown.

 A

 B

C

F

Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes icteromelas (male and larva)

Austroargiolestes amabilis (male)

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Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes aureus Tropical Flatwing Inhabits streams, usually in rainforest. Adult: Black and yellow, not pruinose. At least anterior frons and postclypeus largely yellowish (A). Abdominal tergum 2 black without conspicuous bright dorsal mark (B). Male anal appendages as illustrated (C). Larva: Much as A. icteromelas.

A

B

C

Austroargiolestes chrysoides Golden Flatwing

Inhabits streams, usually in rainforest. Females lay eggs in moss. Adult: Black and yellow, not pruinose. Anterior frons, clypeus and labrum largely black (A). Front of synthorax almost completely yellow to orange, or, with pale humeral stripe broad and not acutely pointed at mesopleural suture (B, C). Male anal appendages as illustrated (D). Larva: Much as A. icteromelas.

 A

 B

C

D

Austroargiolestes isabellae Sydney Flatwing

Inhabits streams and boggy seepages. Adult: Black and pale yellow. Anterior frons, clypeus and labrum largely black; outer face of mandible white to yellow (A). Front of synthorax black with episternal part of pale humeral stripe narrow and acutely pointed at mesopleural suture, often pruinose; black patch on metepimeron short, truncate or bluntly angled (B). Male superior anal appendages with basal portion markedly shorter than median or distal portion and with ventral spur visible from above (C); inferior appendages broad and blunt. Larva: Much as A. icteromelas.

A

B

C

Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes aureus (female)

Austroargiolestes chrysoides (male)

Austroargiolestes isabellae (male)

Austroargiolestes aureus (male)

Austroargiolestes chrysoides (female)

Austroargiolestes isabellae (female)

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Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes calcaris Powdered Flatwing Adults frequent streams and boggy seepages. Larvae have been found amongst submerged aquatic vegetation in a deep mountain stream pool. Adult: Colouration and synthoracic pattern much as in A. isabellae, but much more strongly pruinose when mature and with black patch on metepimeron markedly longer (A, B). Male superior anal appendages with basal portion markedly shorter than median or distal portion, with ventral spur visible or not visible from above, and with inner marginal ridge ending in a sharp point (C, D); inferior appendages broad and blunt. Larva: Similar to A. icteromelas.

A

B

C

D

Austroargiolestes christine Milky Flatwing

Adults frequent streams and boggy seepages. Adult: Colouration and synthoracic pattern much as in A. isabellae, but much more strongly pruinose when mature and with black patch on metepimeron markedly longer (A, B). Male superior anal appendages with basal portion markedly shorter than median or distal portion, with ventral spur not visible from above, and with distal end of inner marginal ridge rounded (C, D); inferior appendages broad and blunt (E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

E

Austroargiolestes elke Azure Flatwing Adults have been collected along streams in rainforest. Adult: Black and blue. Anterior frons, clypeus and labrum largely black; outer face of mandible largely dark (A). Front of synthorax black with uppermost part of pale humeral stripe pointed anterior to mesopleural suture (B), often heavily pruinose (C). Male superior anal appendages with basal portion about as long as median or distal portion and with ventral spur visible from above (D); inferior appendages broad and blunt. Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes calcaris (female and larva)

Austroargiolestes christine (female and male)

Austroargiolestes elke (male)

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Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes brookhousei Barrington Flatwing Adults have been collected at streams and boggy seepages. Adult: Large. Black and pale blue; not pruinose. Pale stripe in front of mesopleural suture constricted near upper end, then broadened at tip, not obscured by pruinescence (A). Basal angle of male superior anal appendages slightly angulated; tips of appendages overlapping if inner edges of bases are set parallel (B). Larva: Unknown.

B

A

Austroargiolestes alpinus New England Flatwing

Adults have been collected at streams and boggy seepages. Adult: Size, colouration and pattern (A) much as in A. brookhousei. Basal angle of male superior anal appendages almost evenly rounded; tips of appendages not overlapping if inner edges of bases are set parallel (B). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

Genus Podopteryx Podopteryx selysi Treehole Flatwing

This is the only known Australian species of the genus; several species (including P. selysi) occur in New Guinea. Inhabits water-filled tree-holes in rainforest. Adult: A very large damselfly with abdomen >42 mm, hindwing >40 mm; and with more than 27 postnodals (A); black with metallic reflections and with white to pink markings on head and thorax. Larva: Total length c. 23 mm. Labial palps with several conspicuous palpal setae. Caudal gills short and wide.

A

Argiolestidae

Austroargiolestes brookhousei (male)

Austroargiolestes alpinus (female)

Podopteryx selysi (male)

Austroargiolestes alpinus (copula)

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Isostictidae

Family ISOSTICTIDAE The Australian members of this group are slender, medium-sized to large damselflies, pale brown to dark greenish grey, rarely black, with thorax and abdomen sometimes pruinose. They lack an anal vein, and CuP is one to several cells long. The larvae have at least one pair of premental setae, and the premental ligula may have a median cleft. The caudal gills are long, distinctly nodate and apically pointed. Seven of the eight genera are endemic to Australia.

Genus Lithosticta Lithosticta macra Rock Narrow-wing

L. macra is the only known species of the genus and confined to Arnhem Land in Northern Territory. Found along streams and rivers, and rocky regions away from them, along the Arnhem Land escarpment. Adult: A medium-sized to large damselfly, dull, dark greyish brown in colour. CuP generally five to seven cells long (A). Ac basal to Ax1 in hindwing (B). Male with long anal appendages, superiors and inferiors almost equal in length (C). Larva: Two pairs of premental setae; more than five palpal setae. Caudal gills long, with both sections triquetral.

A

B

C

Genus Austrosticta

These are medium-sized damselflies, dull greyish brown in colour. CuP is at least three cells long (A). Ac of the hindwing is situated distal to, or aligned with, Ax1 (B). The superior anal appendages of the male are shorter than the inferiors. The anal appendages of the female are pale. The larva of only one species, A. fieldi, has been described. The three known species occur in northern and central Australia.

A

B

Austrosticta frater Eastern Pondsitter

Adults have been collected near streams, and at a small, sunny, man-made pond. Adult: Known only from male. Synthorax with large black frontal patch and black lateral stripe continuous or almost so across base of mesopleural suture (A). Superior anal appendages of male forcipate, with mesal tooth slightly beyond midlength and with apex elongate and slender; inferiors much longer than superiors, forcipate but not strongly curved, not subapically widened, slightly convex dorsally and without ventrally projecting lobe (B, C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Isostictidae

Lithosticta macra (female and larva)

Austrosticta frater (male)

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Isostictidae

Austrosticta fieldi Northern Pondsitter A. fieldi is probably confined to Northern Territory; it appears likely that the available record from the Kimberley is based on a misidentification. Adults have been collected near streams and rivers, and also in arid areas. Adult: Synthorax with large black frontal patch and black lateral stripe not continuous across base of mesopleural suture. Pale lateral areas of male abdominal terga 7–9 visible from above (A). Superior anal appendages of male forcipate, with mesal tooth well beyond midlength and with apex rather short and stout; inferiors much longer than superiors, forcipate but not strongly curved, sub­ apically widened, slightly concave dorsally and with ventrally projecting lobe (B, C). Larva: Three or four pairs of premental setae; five or six palpal setae. Basal section of caudal gills triquetral to foliate, apical section foliate.

A

B

C

Austrosticta soror Kimberley Pondsitter

Adults have been collected near streams, and pools in gorges. Eggs are laid in twigs above the water. Adult: Synthorax with large black frontal patch and black lateral stripe not continuous across base of mesopleural suture. Pale lateral areas of male abdominal terga 7–9 scarcely or not visible from above (A). Superior anal appendages of male forcipate, with mesal tooth slightly beyond midlength and with apex slightly elongate but not slender; inferiors much longer than superiors, forcipate, strongly curved, not or very slightly widened subapically, slightly convex dorsally and with ventrally projecting lobe (B, C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Genus Rhadinosticta

These are medium-sized to large, dully coloured, slender damselflies. CuP is at the most 1 cell long in both wings (A). Ac of the hindwing is situated proximal to Ax1 (B). The male superior anal appendages are shorter than the inferiors. Much to all of the female labrum is pale creamy white (C). The larvae have two pairs of premental setae, and three palpal setae. Segment 2 of the antennae is at least as long as segment 3. Femora and tibiae are distinctly banded. Basal and apical sections of the caudal gills are more or less foliate (D). The two known species occur only in eastern Australia.

A

B

C

D

Isostictidae

Austrosticta fieldi (male)

Austrosticta soror (male)

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Isostictidae

Rhadinosticta simplex Powdered Wiretail Inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Posterior lobe of pronotum with two short horns in male (A), without horns in female (B); hindmargin of female proepimeron with two upright, slender processes (C). Distal portion of male inferior appendages far more slender than superior appendages (D). Larva: Total length 17–20 mm. Femora with four dark bands.

A

B

C

D

Rhadinosticta banksi Northern Wiretail

Inhabits streams and riverine pools. Adult: Posterior lobe of pronotum with two long horns in male (A), with or without horns in female; hindmargin of female proepimeron without slender processes (B). Distal portion of male inferior appendages about as substantial as superior appendages (C). Larva: Femora with three dark bands. Note: R. handschini is considered to be a junior synonym of R. banksi.

A

B

C

Genus Oristicta Oristicta filicicola Slender Wiretail

O. filicicola is the only known species of the genus and confined to tropical Queensland. It is known to inhabit rainforest streams. Adult: A mediumsized, dully coloured, extremely slender damselfly. CuP not longer than two cells (A); Ac of hindwing at or beyond level of Ax1 (B). Superior anal appendages longer than inferiors (C). Larva (D): Total length c. 16 mm. Two pairs of premental setae; three palpal setae. Segment 3 of antennae much longer than segment 2. Both sections of caudal gills foliate.

A

B

C

D

Isostictidae

Rhadinosticta simplex (male and larva)

Rhadinosticta banksi (male)

Oristicta filicicola (males)

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Isostictidae

Oristicta rosendaleorum Cape York Wiretail Adult: Very similar to Oristicta filicicola. Distance between the subnodus and origin of R4 markedly smaller, particularly in the female (A, B). Dorsal connection of the median and antehumeral stripe on the mesanepisternum by a shorter subtriangular stripe, a very distinct black stripe, markedly more than half the width of the pleuron, on the mesepimeron, a black spot on the trochanters, lack of feeble banding in the femora and lack of pale patch/es or cloud on abdominal segment 2 in both sexes. Male lacks posterolateral processes/horns on the pronotum and has less strongly forcipate, rather flat superior anal appendages and a distinct apical spine on the inferiors (C, D). Female with posteromedial margin of the posterior lobe of the pronotum weakly convex. Larva: Unknown. Note: Collected from two localities within 20 km of Lakeland (15.9°S) in south-eastern Cape York Peninsula during the end of the wet season (March) and both creeks were flowing but featured numerous rocky pools, often with pronounced algal growth. Both localities consisted of small, rocky creeks within open eucalypt woodland.

A

B C

D

Isostictidae

Oristicta rosendaleorum (male and female): habitus, head, thorax, terminalia (modified from Theischinger & Burwell 2017)

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Isostictidae

Genus Selysioneura

Selysioneura sp. Selysdamsel

Several strange late instar isostictid larvae were recently found in rainforest streams of north-eastern Queensland near Innisfail. Their morphological characters closely agree with Selysioneura from Papua New Guinea. They certainly represent the first record of this genus from Australia and probably an undescribed species. To judge from the larvae that closely match S. cornelia from New Guinea adults may also look similar to this species (A). Adult: Unknown. Larva (the details (A–E) illustrated are modified from illustrations in Lieftinck (1953) of S. cornelia): Very small, total length c. 13 mm (A). Labial palp (B) largely parallel sided, bifid; movable hook long; no palpal setae. Prementun (C) trapezoidal; ligula strongly produced with median cleft indicated (B, C, D). Only one pair of premental setae (C). Prothorax long and flat. Caudal gills nodate with basal segment swollen and up to more than three times as long as apical.

B

D C

A

E

Selysioneura cornelia

Isostictidae

Selysioneura sp. (final instar larva): labium, habitus

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Isostictidae

Genus Eurysticta

Small to medium-sized damselflies, pale brown to dull bronze in colour. CuP is one cell long in forewing, two cells long in hindwing (A), and Ac of the hindwing is situated proximal to Ax1. The male superior anal appendages are longer than the inferiors. The larvae generally have two pairs of premental setae and two to four palpal setae. Segment 3 of the antennae is markedly longer than segment 2. Basal and apical sections of the caudal gills are foliate. The four known species occur in northern Australia only.

A

Eurysticta coolawanyah Pilbara Pin

Inhabits riverine pools. Adult: Front of synthorax either entirely pale (in many females), or with dark band on either side of dorsal carina, plus shorter, narrow stripe half-way from dorsal carina to mesopleural suture (A). Male superior anal appendages bifid and with very small, narrow basal tooth (B); inferiors with dorsal spine at apex (C, D). Larva: Two palpal setae (E). Caudal gills as illustrated (F).

A

B

C

D

Eurysticta coomalie Coomalie Pin

E

F

Inhabits streams, rivers and riverine pools. Adult: Bronze green colouration occupying more than half of front of synthorax, sometimes entire width, its outer edges wavy or scalloped, or set with row of pale spots in front of mesopleural suture (A–C). Male superior anal appendages bifid and with subtriangular basal tooth (D); inferiors with dorsal spine near apex (E, F). Larva: Length without gills c. 9 mm. Four palpal setae.

A

B

C

D

E

F

Eurysticta kununurra Kimberley Pin Inhabits rivers. Adult: Bronze green band on either side of dorsal carina occupying half or less of front of synthorax, the outer edges parallel except for possible short, broadening or diagonal, downward-directed lobe near centre (A). Male superior anal appendages simple and with long, narrow, basal tooth often obscured by posterior margin of segment 10 (B); inferiors with dorsal spine at apex (C, D). Larva: Three palpal setae.

A

B

C

D

Isostictidae

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Eurysticta coolawanyah (male)

Eurysticta coomalie (male)

Eurysticta kununurra (male)

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Isostictidae

Eurysticta reevesi Queensland Pin Inhabits riverine pools. Adult: Known only from male. Front of synthorax with dark band occupying slightly more than half its width and with outer edge almost straight, on either side of dorsal carina (A). Superior anal appendages bifid and with wide basal tooth (B); inferiors with dorsal spine at about two-thirds length from base (C, D). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

Genus Labidiosticta Labidiosticta vallisi Large Wiretail

L. vallisi is the only known species of the genus and confined to ­eastern Australia. It inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: A large, dull dark bronze-coloured damselfly. CuP not longer than two cells; Ac proximal to Ax1 (A). Male superior anal appendages longer than inferiors (B). Female labrum black with pale front margin (C). Larva: Total length 20–22 mm. Prementum stout with lateral edges smooth in basal half (D); Two pairs of premental setae; four palpal setae. Caudal gills large, with basal section saccoid and more than twice as long as foliate apical section (E).

B

A

C

Genus Neosticta

D

E

These are medium-sized, sometimes large, slender, dull brown to black damselflies. CuP is at least three cells long. Ac of the hindwing is situated distal to, or aligned with, Ax1. The superior anal appendages of the male are much longer than the inferiors (A). The anal appendages of the female are black. The larvae (known only from N. canescens and N. fraseri) have two pairs of premental setae and four or five palpal setae. The lateral edges of the prementum are serrated throughout (B). The basal section of the caudal gills is saccoid and less than twice as long as the foliate apical section (C). Neosticta is confined to eastern Australia; three species are known.

A

B

C

Isostictidae

Eurysticta reevesi (male)

Labidiosticta vallisi (male)

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Isostictidae

Neosticta canescens Southern Pinfly

Inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Posterior lobe of male pronotum anvilshaped, lowest laterally (A), of female pronotum strongly produced and ­swollen in midline, subtriangular (B). Hind margin of female proepimeron inflated, black (C). Front of male synthorax with distinct pale antehumeral stripe over outer, lower one-half to two-thirds (D). Male superior anal appendages ­cleaver-shaped, with base medially rounded (E). Larva: Total length 15–17 mm. Characters as given for genus Neosticta. Subspecies: N. ­canescens dorrigoensis from north-eastern New South Wales and south-­ eastern Queensland is larger (hindwing length c. 22–28 mm) than typical N. canescens from southern New South Wales (hindwing length c. 20–22 mm).

A

B

C

D

E

Neosticta fraseri Tropical Pinfly

Inhabits streams, possibly rivers. Adult: Posterior lobe of male pronotum anvil-shaped, lowest in midline (A), of female pronotum low, widely rounded (B). Hind margin of female proepimeron excavated, cowl-shaped, with dark rim (C). Front of male synthorax with ill-defined pale antehumeral stripe over outer, lower three-quarters. Male superior anal appendages ­cleaver-shaped, with base medially pointed (D). Larva: Much as N. canescens. Note: Identification by geographic distribution (north-eastern Queensland).

A

B

C

D

Neosticta silvarum Forest Pinfly

Adults have been collected along streams in rainforest. Adult: Posterior lobe of male pronotum anvil-shaped, lowest laterally (A), of female pronotum strongly produced and swollen in midline, evenly rounded (B). Hind margin of female proepimeron not inflated, bordered by ridges (C). Front of male synthorax with distinct pale antehumeral stripe over outer, lower one-quarter to one-third (D). Male superior anal appendages forcipate (E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

E

Isostictidae

Neosticta canescens (male)

Neosticta fraseri (male)

Neosticta silvarum (male)

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Platycnemididae

Family PLATYCNEMIDIDAE Only one genus of Platycnemididae is recognised from Australia: Nososticta.

Genus Nososticta

These are slender, small to medium-sized damselflies, generally black, marked with cream, green, blue or orange, the males with brightly coloured marks on synthorax. They lack an anal vein, and CuP is one or two cells long, commonly only one (A). The larvae (B), known only from N. fraterna, N. pilbara, N. koongarra and N. solida, have only one pair of premental setae and two to four palpal setae. The premental ligula lacks a median cleft (C). The caudal gills are short, lamellate, denodate and apically rounded; the median tracheole of the lateral gills strongly protrudes laterally (D, E).

D

A

B

Nososticta solida Orange Threadtail

C

E

Inhabits streams, rivers and riverine pools, including small stagnant pools, and lakes. Adult: Black with prominent orange synthoracic markings. Antehumeral stripe covering lower 80–95% of length and up to outer 60% of width of mesanepisternum, male (A) and female (B). Wings in male with deep yellow basal half, in female hyaline or saffroned to several cells beyond level of nodus. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum subtriangular with apex rounded, deeply concave above, margins strongly convex in lateral view (C). Larva: Total length 15–18 mm. Premental ligula widely angular; three or four palpal setae.

A

B

C

Nososticta pilbara Pilbara Threadtail

Occurs on streams and riverine pools; larvae under stones in running water. Adult: Black, prominently marked with vivid orange. Antehumeral stripe covering lower 75–90% of length and, in male up to outer 90% (A), in female up to outer 40% of width of mesanepisternum (B). Wings variable, hyaline, to hyaline with basal half pale to bright orange. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum subtriangular with apex rounded, shallowly concave above, margins almost straight in lateral view (C). Larva: Generally three palpal setae.

A

B

C

Platycnemididae

Nososticta solida (male)

Nososticta pilbara (male)

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Platycnemididae

Nososticta solitaria Fivespot Threadtail Inhabits streams and rivers, including those that dry to pools. Adult: Antehumeral stripe pale green, commonly covering central 30–55% of length and 20–25% of width of mesanepisternum in male (A), 70–90% of length and about 25% of width in female (B). Wings lemon yellow in male, hyaline, sometimes saffroned, in female. Male abdomen with vivid pale green and mostly undivided basal spots, largest in segment 5 and 8. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum broad with apex bluntly rounded, deeply concave above (C), margins very strongly convex in lateral view (D). Larva: Unknown.

A

C

B

D

Nososticta fraterna Northern Threadtail

Inhabits streams, rivers and riverine lagoons. Adult: Dark, marked with yellowish, ochreous or greenish stripes on the synthorax. Antehumeral stripe very variable, covering lower 85% (or less) of length and up to 20% of width (A), or almost obsolete, narrow and confined to upper third of mesanepisternum (B). Wings suffused lemon yellow in male, generally hyaline in female. Male postclypeus black, genae substantially or entirely black (C). Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum subtriangular with apex rounded, concave above, margins almost straight in lateral view. Larva: Total length c. 12 mm. Premental ligula rounded; three palpal setae.

C

B A Nososticta liveringa Malachite Threadtail

Inhabits streams, rivers and riverine lagoons. Adult: Antehumeral stripe pale green, covering approximately lower 85% of length, and, in male 40–50% (A), in female 30–35% (B), of width of mesanepisternum. Wings narrow, sometimes tinged with lemon yellow, particularly at their base. Male with square greenish to whitish spot beside each lateral ocellus (C). Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum subrectangular with apex rounded, strongly concave above, margins straight near top, thence strongly convex in lateral view (D). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

Platycnemididae

Nososticta solitaria (males)

Nososticta fraterna (female)

Nososticta liveringa (male)

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Platycnemididae

Nososticta coelestina Green-blue Threadtail

Inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Black, markings vivid greenish blue in male, pale brownish in female. Antehumeral stripe strongly tapered, covering lower 70–95% of length, and, in male up to outer 80% (A), in female up to outer 50% (B), of width of mesanepisternum. Wings suffused lemon yellow in male, hyaline or tinged yellow in female. Pale basal spots on abdominal terga 3–7 of male distinct and across midline (C). Superior anal appendages blue, broadly bifid (D). Posterior lobe of female pronotum as illustrated (E, F). Larva: Unknown.

C

A

B

D

E

F

Nososticta koolpinyah Koolpinyah Threadtail

Frequents streams. Adult: Black, markings vivid greenish blue in male, yellowish in female. Antehumeral stripe strongly tapered, covering lower 63–80% of length and up to outer 70% of width of mesanepisternum in male (A, B), very variable, from as long and markedly narrower than in male to shorter, broken into elongate spots, or almost absent, in female (C–E). Wings tinted greenish to brownish yellow in male, hyaline in female. Pale spots on abdominal terga 4–7 of male lacking or small, divided by black midline (F). Anal appendages much as in N. coelestina. Posterior lobe of female pronotum as illustrated (G, H). Larva: Unknown.

A

F

B

C

D

G

E

H

Platycnemididae

Nososticta coelestina (male)

Nososticta koolpinyah (female)

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Platycnemididae

Nososticta koongarra Citrine Threadtail The larvae are stream dwellers, inhabiting the submerged root masses of riparian vegetation or associated stream macrophytes. Adult: Black, markings vivid sky blue in male, yellowish white to ochreous in female. Antehumeral stripe oval, covering lower 90–95% of length and about outer 90% of width of mesanepisternum in male (A), slightly tapered, almost as long but only about half as wide in female (B); metepimeron largely pale in both sexes. Wings slightly suffused with lemon yellow overall in male, hyaline in female. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum upright, almost semi­circular, but with long, narrow median process (C). Larva: Total length c. 11 mm. Premental ligula rounded; two palpal setae.

A

B

C

Nososticta taracumbi Melville Island Threadtail

Adults have been collected along streams. Adult: Black, markings vivid blue in male, ochreous in female. Antehumeral stripe tapered, covering lower 65–85% of length and up to about outer 50% of width of mesanepisternum in male (A), 75–85% of length and markedly less than 50% of width in female (B); metepimeron largely pale in both sexes. Wings variably suffused with yellowish brown in male, hyaline to slightly brownish in female. Male superior anal appendages black, slender, with single apex (C). Female genae pale (D). Front part of posterior lobe of pronotum rounded to subrectangular, medially produced into finger-like process (E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

E

Platycnemididae

Nososticta koongarra (male)

Nososticta taracumbi (male)

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Platycnemididae

Nososticta mouldsi Striped Threadtail

Adults have been collected in shade along a small rainforest stream. Adult: Black, markings vivid blue in male, pale yellowish brown in female. Antehumeral stripe tapered, covering lower 70% of length and up to about 30% of width of mesanepisternum in male (A), 90–95% of length and up to 30% of width in female (B); posterodorsal portion of metepimeron black in male (C), pale in female (D). Wings slightly suffused with yellowish brown in male, hyaline or almost so in female. Male anal appendages much as in N. taracumbi. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum subrect­ angular, medially produced into subtriangular flap (E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

E

Nososticta baroalba Black-winged Threadtail Inhabits streams. Adult: Black with brown markings. Antehumeral stripe absent, or narrow, pale reddish brown in male (A), pale brown to brown in female, and restricted to lower one-half to two-thirds of length of mesanepisternum (B). Wings broad, suffused brown to dark brown between level of arculus and pterostigma in male, hyaline, or uniformly tinged pale brown in female. Female gena distinctly marked with black (C). Front part of posterior lobe of pronotum broadly semicircular, prolonged forward into blunt triangular median lobe (D). Larva: Unknown.

A

C

B

D

Nososticta kalumburu Spot-winged Threadtail Inhabits streams. Adult: Black with slight greenish reflections, sometimes slightly pruinose, with brown markings. Antehumeral stripe absent in male, very variable, yellowish, narrow, from covering lower 70% of length of mesanepisternum to reduced to a few elongate spots, often asymmetrical, in female (A, B). Wings broad, hyaline, with well-defined brownish black transverse band in male, hyaline with at most slight central shading in female. Front part of posterior lobe of female pronotum broadly M-shaped (C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Platycnemididae

Nososticta mouldsi (male)

Nososticta baroalba (male)

Nososticta kalumburu (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Family COENAGRIONIDAE This is a family of world-wide distribution. Australian coenagrionids vary in size from tiny to large. They are usually brightly coloured, often vivid red or blue with black markings. They have a long anal vein, and they lack supplementary longitudinal veins in the distal portion of the wings. The premental ligula of the larvae lacks a median cleft. There are one to eight pairs of premental, and three to eight palpal setae. The caudal gills are leaf-like, subnodate or denodate, and without a prominent main tracheole. They are held vertically. Thirteen genera of Coenagrionidae are known from Australia, only two of which are endemic to Australia.

Genus Teinobasis Teinobasis rufithorax Red-breasted Longtail

T. rufithorax is the only Australian species of the genus that also occurs in south-eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Micronesia. Frequents still and flowing waters, in deep shade. Adult: A medium-sized, extremely slender, orange-red damselfly. Anal vein leaving wing margin beyond Ac by at least the length of Ac (A). Larva: Even though the larva of T. rufithorax is unknown, characters available for T. ariel from Micronesia may be sufficient to recognise the Australian species when found. They are: prementum about as long as wide; one pair of premental setae; four palpal setae (B). Postocular lobes rounded. Caudal gills denodate, broad, gradually expanded, widest at two-thirds length, thence narrowed to obtusely pointed apex (C). Note: Occurs also in south-eastern Indonesia, and New Guinea to Solomon Islands.

A

B

C

Genus Archibasis Archibasis mimetes Blue-banded Longtail

A. mimetes is the only Australian species of the genus that also occurs in southern Asia, Indonesia and New Guinea. Adults are found along streams. Adult: A medium-sized damselfly, the male very bright blue and black. Pterostigma of forewing similar in size to that of hindwing, very small, almost as wide as long (A). Anal vein leaving wing margin near to or beyond level of Ac. Tarsal claws simple. Male anal appendages as illustrated (B, C). Posterior lobe of female pronotum armed with a large finger-like, forwardly directed process on each side (D). No apical spine on abdominal sternum 8 of female. Larva: Unknown. Note: Occurs also in New Guinea.

forewing

hindwing

A

B

C

D

Coenagrionidae

Teinobasis rufithorax (female)

Archibasis mimetes (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Genus Pseudagrion

These are medium-sized to large damselflies with hindwings longer than 22 mm. Abdominal segments 2–4 are bronze black above. In the hindwing Ac is situated well distal to the basal antenodal (A). The tarsal claws are bifid. The female has the posterior lobe of the pronotum armed with a rather small, forwardly directed process on each side (B). It lacks a spine on the apex of abdominal sternum 8. The larvae have an elongate labium with one pair of large and generally two to five pairs of very small premental setae, and three or four palpal setae. The caudal gills are long and subnodate, with apical portion generally wider than basal portion (C). Pseudagrion is widely distributed in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. Six species have been recorded from Australia.

B

A

C

Pseudagrion aureofrons Gold-fronted Riverdamsel

Inhabits streams, rivers, riverine pools and lagoons. Has been collected from vegetation, often amongst willow roots and reeds in weir pools. Adult: Mature male with face and front of synthorax yellow. Anal appendages as illustrated (A, B). Female with finger-like prothoracic processes longer than height of posterior lobe at point of attachment, and with ridge above mesothoracic spiracle meeting ridge flanking its margin at a sharp angle, equal to or less than a right angle (C). Abdominal segments 3–5 with lateral pale areas clearly visible from above. Larva: Total length 21–22 mm. Generally three rather slender palpal setae, or, if four, basal seta very thin; dorsal branch of palps not acutely pointed (D). Postocular lobes strongly angulated (E).

A

B

C

E

D

Pseudagrion microcephalum Blue Riverdamsel

Inhabits still and flowing waters; streams, rivers, riverine lagoons, lakes and ponds. Adult: A medium-sized blue and black damselfly. Male with face and synthorax blue and black. Superior anal appendages with deep V-shaped notch, the upper branch shorter than the lower (A, B). Female thorax much as P. aureofrons, however, with ridge above mesothoracic spiracle curving into inner ridge (C). Abdominal segments 3–5 with lateral pale areas clearly visible from above (D). Larva: Total length 20–22 mm. Much as Pseudagrion aureofrons. Differences: Generally four palpal setae of similar thickness; dorsal branch of palps acutely pointed (E). Note: Occurs also in India, south-eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

A

B

C

D

E

Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion aureofrons (male and larva)

Pseudagrion microcephalum (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion cingillum Northern Riverdamsel

Adults have been collected from still and sluggish waters; streams, rivers, riverine lagoons and pools. Adult: A medium-sized blue and black damselfly. Male with face and synthorax blue and black. Superior anal appendages with upper portion strongly produced and without a distinct notch at tip (A, B). Female with prothoracic processes tiny (C). Abdominal segments 3–5 with lateral pale areas clearly visible from above. Larva: Unknown. Note: Occurs also in New Guinea.

A

B

C

Pseudagrion jedda Dusky Riverdamsel

Inhabits streams, rivers and riverine lagoons. Adult: A large, dull and darkly coloured damselfly. Male with face and synthorax largely dull brown. Superior anal appendages with upper portion strongly produced and with a distinct shallow notch at tip (A, B). Female with 16–19 postnodals. Prothoracic processes outwardly directed (C). Abdominal s­ egments 3–5 brownish black above except for narrow, pale band at extreme base (D). Larva: Unknown.

B

A

C

D

Pseudagrion ignifer Flame-headed Riverdamsel

Inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Medium-sized to large. Mature male with face orange and with sides of synthorax and abdominal segments 1 and 2 and 7–10 pruinose. Superior anal appendages with caudal face more than twice as long as wide, its inner end truncate (A–C). Female with 12–15 postnodals and with conical prothoracic processes not particularly long (D). Abdominal segments 3–5 brownish black above except for narrow, pale band at extreme base. Larva: Total length 23–27 mm. Premental ligula strongly produced medially; generally three palpal setae; movable hook not particularly long and slender (E). Postocular lobes evenly rounded (F).

D C A

B E

F

Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion cingillum (male)

Pseudagrion ignifer (male)

Pseudagrion jedda (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion lucifer Citrine-headed Riverdamsel

Inhabits streams. Adult: Much as P. ignifer. Differences: Medium-sized. Mature male with face variably yellow and with sides of synthorax and generally only abdominal segments 1 and 2 pruinose. Caudal face of superior anal appendages markedly less than twice as long as wide (A–E). Larva: Total length c. 22 mm. Much as P. ignifer. Differences: Prementum more slender and with numerous dorsal setae along sides of basal portion; ligula more strongly produced medially; movable hook very long and slender (F). Subspecies: In P. l. lucifer from Kimberley and Northern Territory the mature male has a bright yellow face, abdominal segments 7–10 not pruinescent, and the inner end of the caudal face of the superior anal appendages subtriangular (D). In the mature male of P. lucifer aureum from the Cape York Peninsula the face is pale cream yellow, abdominal segments 7–10 are sometimes pruinose, and the inner end of the caudal face of the superior appendages is truncate (E).

A

B

C

D

E

Genus Caliagrion Caliagrion billinghursti Large Riverdamsel

The only known species of the genus is confined to south-eastern Australia. This large damselfly inhabits sluggish rivers, riverine pools, lakes and ponds. Adult: Male bright blue and black. Anal vein leaving wing margin basal to or at the level of Ac which in hindwing is aligned with basal antenodal (A). Larva: Total length c. 30 mm. One pair of large premental setae, in addition often several small setae (B); five or six palpal setae. Postocular lobes long and strongly flared (C). Caudal gills very long, subnodate, apical portion not wider than basal portion (D).

B

A

D

C

Genus Ceriagrion Ceriagrion aeruginosum Redtail

The only Australian species of the genus, which has a wide range in the Old World. It inhabits slow streams, ponds and swamps. Adult: A medium-sized red damselfly, the synthorax becoming dull green when mature. Anal vein leaving wing margin at or very close to level of Ac (A). Larva: Prementum elongate, with lateral margins slightly sinuous; one pair of large and numerous pairs of very small premental setae not in a strict row; six palpal setae (B). Postocular lobes widely rounded (C). Caudal gills denodate, short and wide, banded; median gill with apex pointed (D), lateral gills apically rounded. Note: Occurs also in Moluccas, New Guinea, and possibly Solomon Islands.

A

B

C

D

F

Coenagrionidae

Pseudagrion lucifer (male)

Caliagrion billinghursti (male)

Ceriagrion aeruginosum (male and female)

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Coenagrionidae

Genus Xanthagrion Xanthagrion erythroneurum Red & Blue Damsel

X. erythroneurum is the only Australian species of the genus, which also occurs in New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. It inhabits slow sections of mostly wider streams and still waters. Adult: A small to medium-sized damselfly with pale to dull, orange to red markings on thorax and basal abdominal segments, the male marked in addition with vivid blue near the end of the abdomen. Anal vein leaving wing margin near or beyond level of Ac. Pterostigma of fore- and hindwing subequal in size, markedly longer than wide (A). Female posterior lobe of pronotum lacking finger-like processes, synthoracic terga between the wing bases pale orange, and, on tergum 1, a ­triangular bronze mark partly divided by an anterior, orange mid-dorsal line. Larva: Total length 19–21 mm. Prementum rather stout, length/width ratio c. 1.2; four or five pairs of large and one or two pairs of small setae in curved row; six to eight palpal setae. Median caudal gill with only five to nine spines along basal one-sixth to one-fifth of ventral margin (B). Note: Occurs also in Fiji and New Caledonia.

forewing

hindwing

B

A

Genus Austrocoenagrion Austrocoenagrion lyelli Swamp Bluet

If A. lyelli really belongs in Coenagrion, then it is the only known Australian species of the cosmopolitan genus. It inhabits still and sluggish waters; streams, riverine pools, lakes, ponds and swamps. Adult: A medium-sized damselfly, bright blue or pale with distinct black markings. Posterior lobe of pronotum low, not produced into prominent tongue. Pterostigma of fore- and hindwing subequal in size, markedly longer than wide. Anal vein leaving wing margin basal to Ac in both wings (A). Male with synthorax blue and black, antealar sinus black and abdominal segments 4 and 5 more than half blue above (B). Female pronotum without finger-like process each side (C), posterior half of abdominal tergum 1 more than half blue above, and no ventral spine on sternum 8 (D). Larva: Total length c. 17 mm. Prementum almost as wide as long (E); six to eight pairs of premental setae in curved row; six to eight palpal setae. Caudal gills denodate, rather stout and wide, somewhat constricted before tip.

B

C D

A

E

Coenagrionidae

Xanthagrion erythroneurum (male)

Austrocoenagrion lyelli (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Genus Austroagrion

These are small damselflies, the males black and blue or greenish blue. Pterostigma of fore- and hindwing are similar in size and longer than wide. The anal vein leaves the wing margin at Ac (A). The male synthorax is blue and black, with the antealar sinus entirely black, and abdominal segments 4 and 5 are more than half black above. The female posterior lobe of pronotum lacks finger-like processes, the synthoracic terga between the wing bases are partially dark brown to black, and the upper surface of abdominal segment 1 is dark brown to black without pale mid-dorsal line. The known larvae have between five and seven pairs of premental setae in a curved row close and distally almost parallel to the lateral margin, and between four and seven palpal setae. The caudal gills are denodate, usually distinctly banded and bear substantial spines along much of their margins. Austroagrion occurs in New Guinea, New Caledonia and Australia. Four species are known from Australia.

A

Austroagrion watsoni Eastern Billabongfly

Inhabits still and flowing waters. Adult: Male with abdominal segment 7 black; black marks on segments 8 and 9 occupying approximately half length of segment or less (A). Superior appendages much longer than inferiors (B). Female postclypeus black with two pale spots, minute, larger or even fused in midline (C); central part of posterior lobe of pronotum widely subtriangular, with slightly raised margin and rounded apex (D). Larva: Total length 17–20 mm. Four or five pairs of large and one or two pairs of small premental setae; five to seven palpal setae. Note: Occurs also in New Caledonia.

A

B

C

Austroagrion cyane South-western Billabongfly

D

Inhabits still and sluggish waters, riverine pools, lakes, ponds and swamps. Adult: Abdominal segment 8 of male entirely blue; posterior portion of segment 7 usually blue; segment 9 blue, occasionally with small, ­distal mid-dorsal mark (A). Female postclypeus black with or without pale ­margin (B); central part of posterior lobe of pronotum with slightly raised margin and rounded apex. Larva: Similar to A. watsoni.

A

B

Coenagrionidae

Austroagrion watsoni (male)

Austroagrion cyane (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Austroagrion pindrina Pilbara Billabongfly

Inhabits still and flowing waters. Adult: Male with abdominal segment 7 black; black marks on segments 8 and 9 extending full length of segment (A). Superior anal appendages longer than inferiors (B). Central part of posterior lobe of female pronotum elongate, broadened at tip (C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Austroagrion exclamationis Northern Billabongfly

Inhabits still and flowing waters. Adult: Male with abdominal segment 7 black; black marks on segments 8 and 9 occupying approximately half length of segment or less. Superior and inferior appendages almost equal in length (A). Central part of posterior lobe of female pronotum narrow, rounded, with acutely V-shaped ridge on upper surface (B). Larva: Five pairs of premental setae; four palpal setae. Note: Occurs also in New Guinea.

A

B

Genus Ischnura

These are tiny to medium-sized damselflies. The posterior lobe of the pronotum is low and not medially produced. The basal segment of the anal vein is about as long as Ac (A). The females have an apical spine on sternum 8 (B) and are often dimorphic. The larvae have three to five pairs of large and sometimes one pair of small premental setae in a straight row some distance from, and at a distinct angle to, the lateral margin (C), and five to seven palpal setae. The caudal gills are denodate and bear small spines along variably long basal portions of their margins. Ischnura is a cosmopolitan genus with three species known from Australia.

A

B

C

Coenagrionidae

Austroagrion pindrina (male)

Austroagrion exclamationis (male and female)

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Coenagrionidae

Ischnura aurora Aurora Bluetail A small to tiny species. The adults are vagrants. Larvae inhabit still and sluggish waters, including temporary ponds, occurring on submerged macrophytes. Adult: Pale postocular markings (A). Posterior lobe of male pronotum as illustrated (B). Male abdomen substantially red, marked blue and black distally. Larva: Total length 12–14 mm. Prementum stout, length/width ratio c. 1.1, length c. 1.5 mm (C); dorsal branch of labial palps very short and wide, ventral branch basally markedly narrower than dorsal branch (D); generally five palpal setae. Note: Occurs from India to the central Pacific. The Australian populations are considered to belong to the typical subspecies.

A

B

C

D

Ischnura heterosticta Common Bluetail

A small to medium-sized species. The larvae inhabit still and sluggish ­waters, including temporary ponds, occurring on submerged macrophytes, and have been reported to be salt tolerant. Adult: Postocular spots (A). Male abdomen black and blue. Posterior lobe of female pronotum as illustrated (B). Larva: Total length 15–19 mm. Prementum stout, length/width ratio c. 1.15, length c. 2.4 mm (C); dorsal branch of labial palps longer than its teeth, ventral branch basally about as wide as dorsal branch (D); six or seven palpal setae. Note: Occurs from Eastern Indonesia to the Pacific. The Australian mainland populations are considered to belong to the typical subspecies, the Tasmanian populations to I. heterosticta tasmanica.

A

B

C

Ischnura pruinescens Colourful Bluetail

D

Inhabits riverine pools, lakes, ponds and swamps. Adult: Small to mediumsized. Postocular lobes without pale markings (A) but usually pruinose in males. Mature males heavily pruinose on sides of synthorax and on abdomen. Females often very colourful with bright yellow, orange and green. Posterior lobe of female pronotum as illustrated (B). Larva: Total length 15–17 mm. Prementum rather slender, length/width ratio c. 1.25, total length 2.3–2.5 mm (C); dorsal branch of labial palps moderately short and wide, ventral branch basally about as wide as dorsal branch (D); generally five palpal setae. Note: Occurs also in New Guinea.

A

B

C

D

Coenagrionidae

Ischnura aurora (male)

Ischnura heterosticta (larva)

Ischnura heterosticta (male)

Ischnura heterosticta (female)

Ischnura pruinescens (male)

Ischnura pruinescens (female)

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Coenagrionidae

Genus Aciagrion Aciagrion fragile Blue Slim

A. fragile is the only Australian species of the genus, which has a wide range, from Africa through southern and eastern Asia and Indonesia to Australia. It is associated with still waters, particularly swamps. Adult: A small, very slender damselfly, the male blue and black. Pterostigma of forewing markedly larger than that of hindwing (A). Anal vein leaving wing margin near to or beyond level of Ac (B). Female with apical spine on sternum 8. Larva: Length without gills c. 9 mm [gills missing (broken off) in the available material]. Only two pairs of large and one pair of small premental setae; five palpal setae. Caudal gills probably denodate. Note: Occurs also in Lesser Sunda Islands and New Guinea.

forewing

A

hindwing

B

Genus Argiocnemis Argiocnemis rubescens Red-tipped Shadefly

A. rubescens is the only Australian species of the genus known from Africa, Indian Ocean islands, South-East Asia, the Philippines, Indonesia and New Guinea. It inhabits streams, rivers, ponds, boggy seepages and swamps. Adult: A small to medium-sized (hindwing shorter than 22 mm) damselfly, pale reddish brown when immature, the mature male with pale green antehumeral stripes and abdominal segments 8 and 9 red, the mature female largely deep reddish brown. Central part of posterior lobe of pronotum produced into a prominent tongue (A). Anal vein leaving wing margin well basal to the level of Ac in both wings. Larva: Total length 15–20 mm. Head rather flat, with eyes markedly protruding and postocular lobes somewhat angulated (B). Generally three or four pairs of premental setae in straight row, and five palpal setae. Scape markedly larger than pedicel and about as long as third antennal segment. Caudal gills denodate, narrow, without tails (C). Note: Occurs also in southern and south-eastern Asia, Indonesia and New Guinea.

A

B

C

Coenagrionidae

Aciagrion fragile (male)

Argiocnemis rubescens (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Genus Agriocnemis

These are small to tiny damselflies with hindwings shorter than 14 mm. They are usually dull coloured, but sometimes vivid red or highly pruinose. The arculus of the hindwing is situated beyond the distal antenodal by at least the length of the subcostal part of the distal antenodal (A). The known larvae have a strongly tapered prementum, somewhat protruding eyes and slightly angulated postocular lobes (B). There are four or five pairs of premental setae and five or six palpal setae. The caudal gills are denodate, very long and narrow and drawn out into thin pointed tails. Agriocnemis has a wide distribution in the Old World. Agriocnemis exsudans (syn. A. vitiensis) is found in the SW Pacific. At least six species occur in Australia, four of them are endemics.

A

B

Agriocnemis argentea Silver Wisp

Adults frequent still and flowing waters and temporary ponds. Adult: A small black spot at upper end of mesopleural suture (A). Mature male covered in white pruinescence. Superior anal appendages of male much longer than inferiors, not converging and with short stout postero-­dorsal tooth (B, C). Central part of posterior lobe of female pronotum low and somewhat variable (D, E). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

D

Agriocnemis dobsoni Tropical Wisp

E

Adults frequent ponds and swamps. Adult: Thorax of mature male highly pruinose, white. Male abdominal terga 7 and 8 substantially dark brown to black. Superior anal appendages converging and not much longer than inferiors (A, B). Central part of posterior lobe of female pronotum a broad, posterior flap, depressed in the middle with, in front of it, a narrow, upright lobe (C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis argentea (male)

Agriocnemis dobsoni (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis femina Pinhead Wisp Inhabits still, stagnant and sluggish waters; is salt tolerant. Adult: ­Meso­pleural suture hardly marked with black (A). Male pruinosed white on thorax. Superior anal appendages much shorter than inferiors (B). Posterior lobe of female pronotum upright and widely bilobed (C). Larva: Details not available. Note: Occurs from India to western Pacific.

A

B

C

Agriocnemis kunjina Pilbara Wisp

Known from still and flowing waters. Adult: A conspicuous elongate black patch along upper half of mesopleural suture (A). Superior and inferior anal appendages of male subequal in length; tips of superiors not converging. Posterior lobe of female pronotum bilobed (B). Larva: Total length c. 15 mm. Five pairs of premental setae; five palpal setae. Lateral edges of abdominal segments, in particular 7–9, with short, thick, spine-like setae.

A

B

Agriocnemis pygmaea Pygmy Wisp

Inhabits ponds (including temporary ponds) and swamps, found on aquatic plants. Adult: A small black spot at upper end of mesopleural suture. Male abdomen largely greenish black metallic and pale blue to pale green with only tip reddish, female abdomen red. Superior anal appendages of male much longer than inferiors and uniformly curved postero-dorsally; tips of superiors not converging (A, B). Posterior lobe of female pronotum reduced to low rim (C). Larva: Total length c. 13 mm. Prementum strongly tapered, length/width ratio 1.20–1.25, four or five pairs of premental setae; five or six palpal setae. Lateral edges of abdominal segments lacking spinelike setae. Note: Occurs also in Asia, Indo-Australian Archipelago, Pacific.

A

B

C

Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis femina (male)

Agriocnemis kunjina (male)

Agriocnemis pygmaea (male)

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Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis rubricauda Red-rumped Wisp

Known from boggy seepages and swamps. Adult: Male abdominal terga 7–10 substantially red. Superior anal appendages of male converging and much longer than inferiors (A, B). Central part of posterior lobe of female pronotum a prominent, crown-shaped flap (C). Larva: Unknown.

A

B

C

Agriocnemis thoracalis

This species, described from Cape York, is based on a defective male and cannot be interpreted.

Genus Austrocnemis

These are tiny damselflies (hindwings shorter than 14 mm), largely bronze black in colour, and with very long legs. The posterior lobe of the pronotum is produced into a more or less prominent tongue (A, B). The anal vein leaves the wing margin well basal to the level of Ac in both wings. Austrocnemis species commonly perch flat on waterlily- and similar floating leaves. The larvae have a very short head with strongly protruding eyes and widely rounded postocular lobes (C). The legs and the abdomen are very long and thin. The caudal gills are denodate, petiolate, long and slim and pale with conspicuous dark pattern; the median gill is distinctly arched (D). Austrocnemis is confined to Australia and New Guinea. Three species are known from northern and eastern Australia.



 A

B

C

Austrocnemis splendida Splendid Longlegs

D

Inhabits still and sluggish waters. Adult: Sides of synthorax black with large blue patch across lower metanepisternum on to metepimeron (much as in A. obscura). Posterior lobe of female pronotum a concave, inverted trapezoid flap. Abdominal segment 9 of male substantially blue above (A), of female from substantially blue (B) to all bronze black. Larva: Total length 19–23 mm. Three pairs of premental setae; four palpal setae.



 A

B

Coenagrionidae

Agriocnemis rubricauda (male)

Austrocnemis splendida (male and larva)

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Coenagrionidae

Austrocnemis obscura Kimberley Longlegs

Inhabits streams and still or sluggish waters. Adult: Sides of synthorax black with large blue patch across lower metanepisternum on to metepimeron (A, B). Posterior lobe of female pronotum a concave, inverted trapezoid flap (C). Abdominal segment 9 of both sexes bronze black above, with small blue spot (D, E). Larva: Unknown.





. A

B

C

D

Austrocnemis maccullochi Tiny Longlegs

Inhabits primarily still and sluggish waters. Adult: Sides of synthorax black with two small blue patches, one across lower metanepisternum, the other on metepimeron (A). Abdominal segment 9 bronze black (B, C). Posterior lobe of female pronotum an upright, rounded flap (D). Larva: Total length c. 15 mm. Two pairs of premental setae; three palpal setae. Notes: Occurs also in New Guinea.



 A

B

C

D

E

Coenagrionidae

Austrocnemis obscura (female)

Austrocnemis maccullochi (male)

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114

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Austropetaliidae

Family AUSTROPETALIIDAE Austropetaliidae are confined to Australia and Chile. Only the endemic genera Archipetalia and Austropetalia are known from Australia.

Genus Archipetalia Archipetalia auriculata Tasmanian Redspot

A. auriculata is the only known species of the genus and is endemic to Tasmania. It inhabits streams and boggy seepages. Adult: A hairy, mediumsized, brown and yellow dragonfly. Eyes separated in midline by a distance comparable to the width of the median ocellus (A). Anterior portion of wings marked with a series of rounded reddish brown spots. Larva  (B): Total length c. 32 mm. Antennae 4-segmented. Labium flat, elongate, lacking premental and palpal setae. Mesokatepisternum (on top of mesocoxae) strongly produced and pointed. Angular lateral lobes on abdominal segments 1–8.

A

B

Austropetaliidae

Archipetalia auriculata (female)

Archipetalia auriculata (larva)

l

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116

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Austropetaliidae

Genus Austropetalia

These are medium-sized to large, brown and yellow dragonflies with the eyes meeting or almost meeting (A). The anterior portion of the wings is marked with a series of rounded reddish brown spots. The larvae (B) are strongly built and sclerotised. They have 5-segmented antennae and a square, flat labium lacking premental and palpal setae. Femora and tibiae are distinctly bumpy. The abdomen is rather flat and armed with rounded to angular lateral lobes on abdominal segments 1–8. Austropetalia is apparently confined to south-eastern Australia where the larvae of two species have been found to inhabit narrow trickles, sphagnum swamps and the splash-zone of waterfalls.

A

B

Austropetalia annaliese Northern Redspot

Adult (only female known): Similar to Austropertalia tonyana. Labrum blackish brown to black with narrow ill-defined yellowish bar across median half just dorsal to the dark ventral margin. Front of synthorax blackish brown with narrow wedge-shaped yellow stripe each side, the stripes dorsally separated from each other approximately three times their maximal width. Wings (A) with dark basal wing spots faint and taking only basal half of basal costal and subcostal cell in forewing, hardly reaching Ax1 in hind wing. Pterostigma black, long, tapered, with basal side markedly longer than distal side, in hind wing almost 4 mm long. Abdominal segment 10 variably brown to almost black, with pair of markedly paler, very small, widely separated medio-laterodorsal spots followed by pair of indistinct postero-laterodorsal smudges. Larva: Unknown. Note: The unique available female was collected on Barrington Tops, at the origin of Wombat Creek from Black Swamp at c. 1500 m asl, where sphagnum is abundant.

Austropetaliidae

Austropetalia annaliese (female): habitus, head, pterostigma, terminal abdominal segment (modified from Theischinger 2013)

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Austropetaliidae

Austropetalia patricia Waterfall Redspot Adult: Frons has pale line along crest or at least along its lateral portions. Yellow stripes on front of synthorax narrow, parallel-sided for most of their length and separated by more than three times their maximum width (A). Wing membrane of female strongly pigmented along several subcostal crossveins between the primaries (B). Superior anal appendages of male slender, c. one-quarter as wide as long, convergent with slight bend at about midlength and with apex angulate (C). Larva: Total length c. 32 mm. Characters as given for genus Austropetalia. Note: Altitudinal range 200–1400 m. Only north of 35°S.

A

B

Austropetalia tonyana Alpine Redspot

C

Adult: Frons without pale line along crest. Yellow stripes on front of synthorax moderately wide and separated by less than three times their maximum width near antealar ridge, thence slightly and rather evenly tapered to a point (A). Wing membrane of female not pigmented along subcostal crossveins between the primaries (B). Superior anal appendages of male rather stout, c. one-third as wide as long, straight and with apex rounded (C). Larva: Total length 32–35 mm. Similar to A. patricia. Note: Altitudinal range 600–1800 m. Only south of 35°S.

A

B

C

Austropetaliidae

Austropetalia patricia (male)

Austropetalia tonyana (female and larva)

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Aeshnidae

Family AESHNIDAE – Austroaeschna group The eight genera included are medium-sized to very large dragonflies, most being large and strong fliers. The anterior portion of the wings is mostly clear except for the pterostigma, or, more rarely, marked with a brown band, sometimes subdivided into, or reduced to, shorter bands and/or a broad rounded nodal spot. Vein Rspl is only slightly curved and almost parallel with vein IR3. Vein MA is unbroken distally and runs parallel to, or diverges from, vein R4. The larvae are profoundly elongate. The prementum is flat and lacks premental setae. Mid-dorsal abdominal spines are present only in one of the eight endemic genera known from Australia. Some abdominal segments, including segment 9, are armed with lateral spines. The epiproct is strongly tapered throughout with the apex most commonly pointed. They are restricted to eastern Australia except for a single species that is found in south-western Australia. Most species are stream-dwellers; a few are semi-terrestrial and generally only fly at dusk.

Genus Austroaeschna

These dragonflies are generally large. Some are predominantly black with cream markings; others have more extensive bright-coloured patches on black or brown background. The wings are clear with only one Rspl developed and lack crossveins in the median space. There are at most three dorsal longitudinal ridges on abdominal segment 10 of the males (A), and the anal appendages of the females are about as long as segment 10. The larvae (B) are up to 44 mm long. The head is usually slightly narrower than the abdomen. There are two teeth each side of the premental ligula. The abdomen is armed with lateral spines only. Epiproct and paraprocts are pointed, sub-equal in length and lack spines (C). The lateroventral edges of the epiproct are smooth or widely or irregularly denticulate. Austroaeschna is endemic to Australia; 19 species are known from eastern Australia; one species from south-western Australia. The larvae inhabit streams of variable size and flow.

A

B

C

Austroaeschna multipunctata Multi-spotted Darner

Inhabits small montane streams, occurring mainly among macrophytes, but also on rocks. Adult: Very dark with scattered and distinct pale markings. Anterior face of frons completely dark. Top of frons has pair of pale spots; vertex, occiput and postgenae completely black. Front of synthorax has antehumeral stripes reduced to short, narrow, slightly curved lines and small patches; sides of synthorax have widely separated, mostly well-­ defined small markings, generally including curved band on upper portion of mesepimeron. Legs not distinctly marked. Abdominal terga 3–7 have pairs of anterodorsal, mediodorsal and posterodorsal spots (A); tergum 9 of male has a pair of antero/ mediodorsal spots and a pair of posterodorsal spots. Segment 10 of male has well-developed, pointed mid-dorsal cone, much as illustrated for A. obscura. Larva: Total length 35–38 mm. Prementum distally markedly less than twice as wide as base; length/width ratio c. 1.25; eyes not much larger than the rounded post­ocular lobes (B). Mesothorax and metathorax lack distinct lateral spines. Small lateral spines on abdominal segments 5–9.

A

B

Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna multipunctata (male)

Austroaeschna multipunctata (male)

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Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna ingrid Grampians Darner

Adult: Very similar to Austroaeschna multipunctata. Pterostigma long and narrow. Mediodorsal spots on abdominal segments 5–7 simple, small, triangular. Male anal appendages (A, B, C) with inferior at least half the length of superiors and rather slender and strongly tapered. Occiput of female as seen from caudal aspect triangular and obtusely pointed (D), as seen from dorsal aspect with a small tooth each side. Larva: Very similar to A. multipunctata. Male projection on top of epiproct narrower (E); epiproct, cerci and paraprocts long, slender and sharply pointed. Note: Hitherto known from the Grampians only.

D

C A

B

E

Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna ingrid (male)

Austroaeschna ingrid (female)

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Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna obscura Sydney Mountain Darner

Inhabits rivers, streams, temporary streams and streams that dry to pools; found on the bottom of pools among accumulated detritus and among tree roots on the sides of pools. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata, with front of synthorax (A) and male anal appendages (C) as illustrated. Differences: Abdominal terga 4–7 usually have pair of mediodorsal and posterodorsal spots only (B). Tergum 9 has antero/mediodorsal spots more or less obscured in male. Larva: Total length 36–38 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Prementum profoundly elongate, length/width ratio c. 1.60 (D).

A

B

C

D

Austroaeschna sigma Sigma Darner

Inhabits small mountain streams, generally upper reaches, where it has been found predominantly on rocks. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata, with tergum 9 of male (B) and tergum 8 of female (C) as illustrated. Differences: Front of synthorax has at least one broad, sigmoidally curved antehumeral stripe, covering its whole length (A). Abdominal terga 4–7 usually have pair of mediodorsal and posterodorsal spots only, even posterodorsal spots often strongly reduced or missing. Larva: Total length 34–36 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Prementum more elongate, length/width ratio 1.35–1.40 (D).

A

B

C

D

Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna obscura (male)

Austroaeschna sigma (male)

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Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna christine S-spot Darner

Inhabits small streams in montane rainforest, generally the upper reaches. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Front of synthorax has at least one broad, sigmoidally curved antehumeral stripe, covering its whole length. Abdominal tergum 3 has anterodorsal spots missing; terga 4–7 usually have pair of mediodorsal spots only. Tergum 9 of male (A) and tergum 8 of female (B) as illustrated. Larva: Total length 32–35 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Prementum more elongate, length/width ratio 1.45–1.50.

A

B

Austroaeschna parvistigma Swamp Darner

Inhabits rivers and small streams that are predominantly slow-flowing, heavily vegetated with aquatic plants, and often contain accumulated fine sediments. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata, with top of frons (A) and synthorax (C) as illustrated. Differences: Only upper portion of anterior face of frons dark (B). A distinct subapical yellow mark on mesofemur and metafemur. Abdominal segment 10 of male with only an indication of a dorsal cone (D). Larva: Total length 34–36 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Prementum more elongate, length/width ratio 1.40–1.45.

A

B

C

D

Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna christine (male)

Austroaeschna parvistigma (male and female)

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Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna flavomaculata Alpine Darner Has been found to inhabit alpine trickles and run-off waters, occurring in sphagnum and under rocks. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata, with anterior face of frons (A) and vertex (B) completely dark. Differences: Pale markings more extensive and vivid yellow. Abdominal terga 3–7 with anterodorsal spots combined with anterior (pre-carinal) section of mediodorsal spots; tergum 9 has pair of combined antero/mediodorsal and posterodorsal spots. Segment 10 of male has rounded mid-dorsal cone (C). Larva: Total length 32–36 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Prementum stout, length/width ratio c. 1.15 (D).

B

A

C

D

Austroaeschna anacantha Western Darner

Inhabits streams and rivers. Adult: Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Antehumeral and other synthoracic markings reduced to very small patches (A, B). Legs black with small yellow marks near bases of tibiae. Abdominal terga 3–7 usually have pair of anterodorsal and mediodorsal spots only; tergum 9 has pair of posterodorsal spots only. Segment 10 of male without cone or angulation (C). Larva: Total length 34–36 mm. Similar to A. multipunctata. Differences: Length/width ratio of prementum 1.30–1.40. Postocular lobes widely angulated and with irregular tubercular swellings (D).

A

B

C

D

Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna flavomaculata (male)

Austroaeschna anacantha (female)

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130

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Aeshnidae

Austroaeschna unicornis Unicorn Darner Inhabits rivers and streams. Larvae have been found in a variety of microhabitats: log, leaf-packs, detritus and gravel. Adult: Brown to black, generally with mostly pale blue markings. A wide and medially strongly curved pale stripe across the face (A). Postgenae pale immediately behind eye margin (B). Synthorax has two long pale antehumeral and two pale lateral stripes; mesokatepisternum brown with yellow patch (C, D). Profemur brown to black above and at sides, pale below. Abdominal segments 3–8 brown to black with pale spots of one-fifth to less than one-third length of segment on supplementary transverse carina (E, F). Male superior anal appendages long (G), basally evenly curved (H); inferior appendage short, truncate. Larva: Total length 32–39 mm. Lobe of labial palps wide, subrectangular. Postocular lobes prominent, with irregular tubercular swellings. Angle between prothoracic processes 1.80. Lateral spines on abdominal segments 5–9. All abdominal terga evenly arched, not ridged along midline (E).

A

B

C

E

D

Austroaeschna pulchra Forest Darner

Inhabits streams and rivers and is generally found amongst gravel near cobbles and boulders. Adult: Similar to A. muelleri. Differences: Male brown to black with yellow, green or bluish markings. Occiput of both sexes largely pale and rather long and narrow; postoccipital lobes of female narrow, ­finger-like, usually slightly laterally directed (A), sometimes missing. Male inferior anal appendage basally broad (B). Larva: Total length 32–35 mm. Similar to A. muelleri, with same shape of prementum (C). Differences: Terga 8–10 ridged along midline (D).

A

B

C

D

Austroaeschna eungella Eungella Darner

Inhabits upper reaches of rainforest streams dominated by bedrock and boulders. Adult: Similar to dark A. pulchra. Differences: Occiputs of both sexes short; postoccipital lobes of female rather wide and subtriangular, slightly medially directed (A). Larva: Total length 32–35 mm. Similar to A. pulchra. Differences: Prementum markedly stouter, length/width ratio