Ischnura posita

Description

This is one of the smallest species of forktail damselfly and can be easily identified by the shoulder spots. On males, the thorax is black above with a light green exclamation point shaped shoulder spot and light green sides. The abdomen is black above with thin, light green rings. The large eyes are black with small, light green postocular spots. Females look just like males only they are light blue instead of light green. As females age, they become a more blue-gray color, making the shoulder stripes less obvious.

Habitat

Can tolerate a range of habitats, usually found near vegetated wetlands, ponds, and streams.

Diet

Insects; flight pattern is low, in and out of vegetation away from open water.

Size

Average size is less than 1 inch.

Range

Common throughout the eastern US and into southeastern Canada.

Other Useful Information

Often perches horizontally on vegetation in the shade away from open water.

Similar Species

Eastern Forktail