Insect · GBIF taxon 1423285
Pacific Forktail
Ischnura cervulaPacific Forktails are slender damselflies whose males show green thoracic stripes and blue near the tip of a mostly dark abdomen. They perch low among emergent plants, making short flights to capture tiny insects around still water.
damselflywetland predatorslender flier
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- midges
- mosquitoes
- small aquatic insects
Predators
- birds
- frogs
- larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland drainage, pesticide runoff, polluted water, drought, and loss of emergent vegetation
HabitatsPonds, marshes, slow streams, wet meadows, ditches, and vegetated lake margins
Life spanAdults live for weeks, while the aquatic immature stage lasts several months or longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCoenagrionidae
- SpeciesIschnura cervula
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Avoid netting or pinching these delicate insects and keep out of soft wetland margins.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for a mostly dark abdomen with blue coloring near its tip.
- Watch: Scan low stems beside still water for brief darting flights.
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