Citrine Forktail
Ischnura hastata
This record describes Ischnura hastata (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Male has mostly yellow abdomen with some black markings; the tip is entirely yellow. Alone of all damselfly species in the world, the male Citrine Forktail has a forewing stigma that is not along the leading edge of the wing (in other words, the stigma is entirely surrounded by clear cells of the wing). This species is probably the smallest U.S. damselfly. Male: Teneral male and female Orange Female: Closeup: Olive Female:
Wikipedia reference for Ischnura hastata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrine_forktail.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Ischnura (Forktails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Likes dense vegetation along still waters such as ponds.
Geographic Range
Ontario. United States, excluding the northwest quarter of the country.
Seasonal Activity
Primarily a summer species.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Tiny flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ischnura hastata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Citrine Forktail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Mike Boone , john and jane balaban
Frequently Asked Questions About Citrine Forktail
What is Citrine Forktail?
Citrine Forktail (Ischnura hastata) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Citrine Forktail?
20-27 mm.
How do you identify Citrine Forktail?
Male has mostly yellow abdomen with some black markings; the tip is entirely yellow. Alone of all damselfly species in the world, the male Citrine Forktail has a forewing stigma that is not along the leading edge of the wing (in other words, the stigma is entirely surrounded by clear cells of the wing). This species is probably the smallest U.S. damselfly. Male: Teneral male and female Orange Female: Closeup: Olive Female:
Where is Citrine Forktail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Likes dense vegetation along still waters such as ponds. |
| Range | Ontario. United States, excluding the northwest quarter of the country. |
What does Citrine Forktail eat?
The diet of the Citrine Forktail includes Tiny flying insects..
When is Citrine Forktail active?
Citrine Forktail: seasonal activity - Primarily a summer species..