Common Flatwing

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

The Common Flatwing (Austroargiolestes icteromelas) is a very common species of damselfly of the subfamily Argiolestinae in the family Megapodagrionidae. It is also as the Australian Flatwing. Their body length is 43mm. It has a long and slender body, with a bright metallic blue colour. They usually rest with wings flat open, but some females sometimes rest with wings folded up. Their antennae are very small; it is hard to see them, but compound eyes are very 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 easily found along the Bulimba Creek and other creeks in Brisbane, Queensland. They are seldom found near still water ponds, but they are usually found near slow running water. This species likes to rest within a few meters along the creek, in the shaded area. They sometimes rest in large groups among plants. They perch on leaves, and when disturbed they fly a short distance. Common Flatwings don't mind if people come close to them. Males and females look similar.

Subspecies

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

Distribution

The Common Flatwing's distribution is Eastern Australia in the states of Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.

References

• Dragonflies and Damselflies - Order Odonata
• Australian Faunal Directory

External links

• Media related to Austroargiolestes icteromelas at Wikimedia Commons