Western Forktail
Ischnura perparva
This record describes Ischnura perparva (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
blue on segments 8-9/10 only -- black stripes on sides of segments 8-10 See California Dragonflies and Damselflies or Dennis Paulson Males: Orange females, orange on 2, 3, and 4: Mature females:
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
Marshy edges of lakes, ponds, and slow streams
Geographic Range
Western half of the US
Seasonal Activity
May through October
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ischnura perparva. 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 Western Forktail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Forktail
What is Western Forktail?
Western Forktail (Ischnura perparva) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Western Forktail?
22-30 mm
How do you identify Western Forktail?
blue on segments 8-9/10 only -- black stripes on sides of segments 8-10 See California Dragonflies and Damselflies or Dennis Paulson Males: Orange females, orange on 2, 3, and 4: Mature females:
Where is Western Forktail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Marshy edges of lakes, ponds, and slow streams |
| Range | Western half of the US |
When is Western Forktail active?
Western Forktail: seasonal activity - May through October.