Ischnura elegans, commonly known as the Blue-tailed Damselfly or Ischnura común in the Comunidad Valenciana, is a striking species of damselfly that belongs to the family Coenagrionidae.

Physical Description:

• Size: This species is relatively small, with a body length ranging from 30 to 35 mm.
• Coloration: Males typically exhibit a distinctive blue color at the tip of the abdomen (segment 8), along with bright blue eyes and thorax. Females, however, display a variety of colors, ranging from brown and green to violet, depending on their maturity and form.
• Wings: The wings are clear with black veining and are characteristic of damselflies, being slimmer and held together above the body when at rest.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Ischnura elegans can be found in a wide array of freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers.
• It is common in the Comunidad Valenciana and widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Behavior and Ecology:

• They are active fliers, often seen skimming over water surfaces, where they hunt for small insects.
• Adults are typically seen from spring through late summer.
• The species is noted for its unique mating behavior, where the male clasps the female by the neck using specialized appendages, forming a "wheel" or "heart" shape during copulation.

Conservation Status:

• The Blue-tailed Damselfly is not considered threatened and enjoys a stable population across much of its range.

Due to its widespread presence and intriguing life cycle, Ischnura elegans plays a vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of the Comunidad Valenciana, making it an excellent representative of the local insect fauna.