Australian Emerald
Hemicordulia australiae
Female
Medium-sized with a broad and slightly tapering abdomen fringed with orange crescent-shaped marks, the tips of which curve inward. Reddish-brown eyes. Wing tips suffused brown. Black pterostigma.
Similar species
Similar to H. tau which differs in having a distinct yellow spot on the tail tip, T-shaped mark on the face, orange veins on the leading edge of the wings and brown pterostigma. Differs from P. jacksoniensis which lacks the crescent-shaped marks curving inward over the abdomen.
Behaviour
Flies low over water, hovering stationary for periods and conducting sorties mostly close to the bank but occasionally out across open water. May be seen far from water hawking above head height over bare ground in gardens and parks.
Habitat
Any standing water.
Identification
A medium-sized dragonfly with a black abdomen, pinched near the base and fringed with orange crescent-shaped marks, the tips of which curve inward. Eyes on mature males are bright green and wings are completely transparent and unmarked. Black pterostigma.
Courtesy of
Male
Male
Female
Courtesy of
Male