Austrolestes colensonis Kēkēwai / Blue Damselfly
Last Modified: 20-2-2024 21:11
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Austrolestes colensonis, kēkēwai / blue damselfly is the largest of New Zealand's six endemic damselfly species, with the common name derived from the males' distinctive blue colour. Like other damselflies, A. colensonis larvae are aquatic predators, feeding on a range of prey including each other. Blue damselflies are found throughout New Zealand, with adults observable all year round, although most active over summer. Blue damselflies have a two year life cycle.
This example was observed beside a pond in the Wither Hills Farm Park.
Image Date: 5/4/2020
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.54517 Longitude: 173.958252