This is the smallest damselfly of the six species found in New Zealand, measuring less than 25mm in length. The wharf pond is hosting a good population of the gossamer damselfly (Ischnura aurora).

It has a distinctive colour pattern with males having a red abdomen with a blue patch at the tip, while females have a greenish abdomen.

The species prefers ponds with still water bodies with vegetated margins.  Males are usually seen more frequently than females as the latter can range far and wide looking for new water bodies in which to lay their eggs.

The species is widespread, being found in India - Pakistan, China, Australia and some Pacific Islands.  It is a relative new-comer to New Zealand, first recorded in 1926.  However, up until the late 1980's it had still not been recorded from the South Island but is certainly common in the Auckland Region.

Photography by: Simon Fordham ©