Rambur's Forktail
Ischnura ramburii
This record describes Ischnura ramburii (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
The completely blue abdominal segment 8 (A8) in males appears to be diagnostic. Male-like female with blue (A8) is also diagnostic. The two other female forms are not readily separable from other species. The females do have a strong vulvar spine that is not present in all Ischnura females Males: Immature Orange-form Females: Olive-form Adult Females: Green-form Male-like Adult Females: Blue-form Male-like Adult Females: Pairs: A polymorphic species. Males with either bright green thorax or a bluish thorax. Females with 3 forms: i) orange, ii) olive, or iii) male-like. Note that the orange and olive females have all the dorsal surfaces of abdominal segments 3-10 (A3-A10) dark, whereas the male-like female has A8 completely blue and A9 mostly blue.
Wikipedia reference for Ischnura ramburii: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambur's_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
Larvae in most wetland habitats, but only in coastal plain in ne USA.
Geographic Range
The most widespread species of Ischnura in the New World. Most of the USA, plus Mexico, Antilles, south to Chile and Hawaii.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to Fall; all year in Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predaceous as larvae and adults
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Ischnura ramburii. 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 Rambur's Forktail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban
Frequently Asked Questions About Rambur's Forktail
What is Rambur's Forktail?
Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Rambur's Forktail?
males 27.5-36.5 mm; females 27-35 mm
How do you identify Rambur's Forktail?
The completely blue abdominal segment 8 (A8) in males appears to be diagnostic. Male-like female with blue (A8) is also diagnostic. The two other female forms are not readily separable from other species. The females do have a strong vulvar spine that is not present in all Ischnura females Males: Immature Orange-form Females: Olive-form Adult Females: Green-form Male-like Adult Females: Blue-form Male-like Adult Females: Pairs:
Where is Rambur's Forktail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in most wetland habitats, but only in coastal plain in ne USA. |
| Range | The most widespread species of Ischnura in the New World. Most of the USA, plus Mexico, Antilles, south to Chile and Hawaii. |
What does Rambur's Forktail eat?
The diet of the Rambur's Forktail includes Predaceous as larvae and adults.
When is Rambur's Forktail active?
Rambur's Forktail: seasonal activity - Spring to Fall; all year in Florida.