Rhadinosticta simplex

Rhadinosticta simplex is a species of damselfly in the family Isostictidae.[3] It is commonly known as the powdered wiretail.[3] It is located in Australia, where it is fairly common and localised.[4]

Rhadinosticta simplex
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Zygoptera
Family: Isostictidae
Genus: Rhadinosticta
Species:
R. simplex
Binomial name
Rhadinosticta simplex
(Martin, 1901)[2]

Identification

The powdered wiretail is a medium-sized damselfly with a length of 40 millimetres (1.6 in). Its abdomen is very long and slender, and extends well beyond the wing-tips. The damselfly has green eyes, a narrow reddish antehumeral stripe and some narrow broken pale green markings on the side of the thorax. Its abdomen is all black above with distinct pale green sides.

Behaviour

The powdered wiretail has weak fluttery flight. It often flies in shaded areas around vegetation hanging over the stream edge, such as black wattle. Many males in groups can be found perching high up above water.

Distribution

Rhadinosticta simplex has been recorded in Australia from near Cooktown in Queensland to Melbourne in Victoria.[5]

Habitat

Rhadinosticta simplex is found among thick tea-tree beside slow-flowing sections of a river.

Flight period

The damselfly has of flight season from December to April. In Victoria it can be seen in flight during summer and most of autumn. Further north they can emerge earlier.

Similar species

Rhadinosticta simplex is very similar to Rhadinosticta banksi except for more distinct markings on its synthorax, and minor anatomical differences.

  • Female wings
  • Male wings

References
  1. Dow, R.A. (2017). "Rhadinosticta simplex". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T14676025A59256813. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T14676025A59256813.en.
  2. Martin, R. (1901). "Les odonates du continent australien". Mémoires de la Société Zoologique de France (in French). 14: 220–248 [244] – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
  3. Theischinger, G; Hawking, J (2006). The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Collingwood Vic.: CSIRO Publishing. p. 74. ISBN 978 0 64309 073 6.
  4. "Species Rhadinosticta simplex (Martin, 1901)". Australian Faunal Directory. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
  5. Atlas of Living Australia, Rhadinosticta simplex
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