Saharan Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura saharensis)
Species
Saharan Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura saharensis). Male. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
Male. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
(1/1000th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Saharan Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura saharensis). Male. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
Male. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
(1/1600th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Saharan Blue-tailed Dalselfly (Ischnura saharensis). Immature female. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
Immature female. Taken at Los Molinos, Fuerteventura, on March 12th 2018.
(1/400th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

Wingspan: 24 - 34 mm; Body length: 26 - 31 mm

This close relative of I. elegans is one of the smallest blue-tails. Mature males have a green head, thorax and abdomen base. Immature females usually have a pink thorax, but are green when mature.

It is endemic to the western Sahara and the Canary Islands.

It is found in running and standing waters, preferably with dense vegetation.

There are several generations throughout the year, but activity is reduced from December to February.

This species is widespread and locally abundant along the northern fringes of the Sahara. It is regarded as of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Sightings

15-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands (1m)
13-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
12-Mar-2018 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
05-Mar-2009 : Fuerteventura, Canary Islands