Common flatwing

The common flatwing (Austroargiolestes icteromelas) is a very common species of damselfly of the subfamily Argiolestinae in the family Argiolestidae. It is also known as an Australian flatwing. Both male and female common flatwings look similar, with a long and slender body about 43 mm in length, and a bright metallic-blue colour. They usually rest with their wings flat open, but females sometimes rest with wings folded up. Their antennae are very small, and their compound eyes are comparatively 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 found along streams and creeks, are seldom found near still water ponds, but are more likely to be found near slow running water. This species likes to rest within a few metres of a creek or stream, in a shaded area, sometimes resting in large groups among plants. They perch on leaves and, when disturbed, fly a short distance. Common flatwings tolerate people close to them.

The common flatwing (Austroargiolestes icteromelas) is a very common species of damselfly of the subfamily Argiolestinae in the family Argiolestidae. It is also known as an Australian flatwing. Both male and female common flatwings look similar, with a long and slender body about 43 mm in length, and a bright metallic-blue colour. They usually rest with their wings flat open, but females sometimes rest with wings folded up. Their antennae are very small, and their compound eyes are comparatively 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 found along streams and creeks, are seldom found near still water ponds, but are more likely to be found near slow running water. This species likes to rest within a few metres of a creek or stream, in a shaded area, sometimes resting in large groups among plants. They perch on leaves and, when disturbed, fly a short distance. Common flatwings tolerate people close to them. ==Etymology== The genus name Austroargiolestes combines the prefix austro- (from Latin auster, meaning “south wind”, hence “southern”) with Argiolestes, the name of a related genus. It refers to a southern representative of that group. The species name icteromelas is derived from Greek ἴκτερος (ikteros, "yellow") and μέλας (melas, "black"), referring to the yellow and black colour of the thorax. ==Gallery== Male Austroargiolestes icteromelas face.jpg| Male Male Common Flatwing (12008003703).jpg | Male Female Common Flatwing, imported from iNaturalist photo 551249573.jpg | Recently emerged female with wings held together Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus (15822230443).jpg | Austroargiolestes icteromelas nigrolabiatus in Brisbane Photograph of Common Flatwing damselfly (1).jpg Photograph of Common Flatwing damselfly (2).jpg Austroargiolestes icteromelas female (11775744323).jpg | Tip of female tail Austroargiolestes icteromelas male (11775522575).jpg | Tip of male tail Austroargiolestes icteromelas female wings (34787998956).jpg | Female wings Austroargiolestes icteromelas male wings (34788004236).jpg | Male wings ==External links== Brisbane Insects

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1369727839 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.