Common flatwing

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

Common flatwing
Male
Female
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Clade:	Pancrustacea
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Argiolestidae
Genus:	Austroargiolestes
Species:	A. icteromelas
Binomial name
Austroargiolestes icteromelas (Selys, 1862)
Synonyms
Argiolestes icteromelas Selys, 1862 Argiolestes icteromelas nobilis Tillyard, 1913 Argiolestes calcaris tenuis Fraser, 1959

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

Subspecies

Austroargiolestes icteromelas has a two subspecies: Austroargiolestes icteromelas icteromelas, which has a pale mouth (labium) and is from southern and cooler parts, and Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus, which has a dark mouth and is from more northern and warmer regions.

Distribution

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

Etymology

The genus name Austroargiolestes combines the prefix austro- (from Latin auster, meaning “south wind”, hence “southern”) with Argiolestes, the name of a related genus. It refers to a southern representative of that group.

The species name icteromelas is derived from Greek ἴκτερος (ikteros, "yellow") and μέλας (melas, "black"), referring to the yellow and black colour of the thorax.

Gallery

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  Male
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  Male
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  Recently emerged female with wings held together
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  Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus in Brisbane
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  Tip of female tail
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  Tip of male tail
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  Female wings
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  Male wings

External links

• Media related to Austroargiolestes icteromelas at Wikimedia Commons
• Brisbane Insects