Ischnura ramburii
(Selys, 1857)
Rambur's Forktail
Rambur's Forktail (Ischnura ramburii) is a in the Coenagrionidae. It is the most widespread New World in the Ischnura, with a distribution spanning from the United States through Central and South America to Chile, plus Hawaii and the Caribbean. Males are green with blue on abdominal segments 8 and 9, while females exhibit color , appearing orange-red, olive green, or similar to males. The species occupies diverse freshwater across this broad range.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ischnura ramburii: //ˌɪskˈnjʊərə ˈræmbʊriː//
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Identification
Males distinguished from other Ischnura by green with blue on abdominal segments 8 and 9 only. Females require careful examination due to color ; orange-red and olive green morphs are distinctive but must be separated from other forktail by structural features. Most widespread New World Ischnura, so geographic location alone does not confirm identification.
Images
Habitat
Freshwater including ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and springs with emergent vegetation.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Americas from the United States south to Chile; also occurs in Hawaii and the Caribbean (Antilles). Most widespread New World in the Ischnura.
Similar Taxa
- Ischnura denticollisBlack-fronted Forktail lacks pale markings on dorsum of and has blue on abdominal segments 8-9 restricted to spot rather than complete ring; western North American distribution overlaps but more restricted.
- Ischnura demorsaMexican Forktail has different thoracic pattern and coloration; occurs in southwestern North America.
More Details
Distribution significance
This has the broadest distribution of any New World Ischnura, spanning temperate to tropical regions across multiple continents and oceanic islands, indicating high ecological flexibility.