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Ischnura kellicotti
Lilypad Forktail

Williamson, 1898
Coenagrionidae, Pond Damsel Family
"Most Wanted" Species
photo of Male lilypad forktail
Male lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
Status-Global/State:
Global: G5 Wisconsin: S1S2
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The lilypad forktail's body length varies from 0.9 to 1.3 inches. The name "forktail" comes from tiny projections off the tip of males' abdomens, which help to identify the species. The male's thorax is blue with broad black mid-dorsal and shoulder stripes and horizontal stripe on sides. The abdomen is mostly black with some blue near the tip. The males can be confused with the bluets. The female's thorax is similar to the male's except the pale areas are bright red. The abdomen is mostly black with a red tip. The red areas become pruinose blue-gray with age. The old females will be difficult to distinguish from other old female forktails.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging in eastern United States, the lilypad forktail has been observed to be closely associated with lily pads (Nuphar and Nymphaea species) in ponds. In Wisconsin, it is very rare, being known only from Walworth County.
Flight Season:
In Wisconsin, relatively few adults have been documented. Throughout its range, the flight season is from early June to mid-August.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
photo of Male lilypad forktail
Male lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Male lilypad forktail
Male lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Teneral male lilypad forktail
Teneral male lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female lilypad forktail
Female lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Female lilypad forktail
Female lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Intermediate/mature female lilypad forktail
Intermediate/mature female lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
photo of Immature female lilypad forktail
Immature female lilypad forktail — Dan Jackson
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