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Wedgetails - Acanthagrion

Acanthagrion.jpgThis is a fairly large genus with only one species that makes it into the  United States. The Mexican Wedgetail, known only from south Texas, is quite similar to a black-type Bluet. Most species of this genus look alike and so do the males and females. They have a black head, generally have a light blue labrum, black eyes, with green below, and light blue or  light green postocular spots. The lateral thorax is generally light blue or light green, with one or two black median and humeral stripes seen dorsally, with two finer stripes on the lateral thorax.  The male abdomen is very thin, with blue on segments 8-9, and all blue on 10. At the tip of the abdomen one can see a peculiar angled cut, making it distinguishable in the field.  The male cerci is very long and slanted backwards

Wedgetails are generally found in ponds and small, slow-flowing rivers and streams, but also have been observed in open marshy areas, or swampy areas under tree cover.

This genus is more diverse in South America.  This genus is difficult to identify without in-hand magnification.  The species are similar and can only be identified by their genitalia. 

 

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