Ischnura
denticollis
(Black-fronted Forktail)
Description:
Naiad-
This is a small, naiad about
¾ inch (15 to 18 mm) long. It has the typical, slender shape of immature damselflies.
Adult-
This is a very small damselfly generally
less than one inch (22 to 26 mm) long. The male has pale blue on the side of
the thorax, solid black on top of the thorax, and a blue-green abdomen with
segments eight and nine colored bright blue. Most females are light orange brown,
but some are colored very similarly to males.
Range:
This species is found from
eastern Oregon east to Kansas and south to Texas, Baja California, and Guatemala.
In Idaho it is found only in the southwest corner of the state.
Habitat:
This damselfly is found
at spring-fed pools and streams in arid areas.
Adult Flight Season:
Late April -
Late September or early October
Diet:
Naiad-
Naiads eat a wide variety of aquatic insects, including mosquito larvae, mayfly
larvae, and other aquatic fly larvae.
Adult-
Adults eat a wide variety of small soft-bodied flying insects, such as mosquitoes,
mayflies, flies and small moths. They will also pick small insects such as aphids
from plants.
Ecology:
Very little is known
about the ecology of this species, except for its preference for spring-fed
pools in desert areas.
Reproduction:
The males set up territories
at choice breeding sites. After males and females mate, the female, unlike other
forktails, stays attached to the males (called "in tandem") as she lays her
eggs in floating vegetation.
Conservation:
Populations
are widespread, abundant, and secure.
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Global Rank: | G5 |
State Rank: | S? |
References:
Corbet, P. S. 1999.
Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. Cornell University Press, Ithaca,
New York, USA, 829pp.
Logan, E. R. 1967. The Odonata of Idaho. Unpublished M. S. thesis. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA, 105 pp.
Needham, J. G. and M. J. Westfall. 1955. Dragonflies of North America. University of California Press, Berkely, California, USA, 615 pp.
Paulson, D. R. 1999. Dragonflies of Washington. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington, USA, 32 pp.
Walker, E. M. and P. S. Corbet. 1975. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska, Vol. III. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 307 pp.