Wedgetails - Acanthagrion
 This 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.
|