Plains Forktail

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Identification

Males have green thoracic stripes, a black abdomen and blue at the tip; female color changes with age and includes orange and green forms.

The male has green thoracic stripes, a dark abdomen, blue near the tip and a forked apex on segment ten. Female orange and green phases overlap other Ischnura, so close thoracic and terminal evidence is necessary.

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Documented range

Plains Forktail ranges from Alberta and Manitoba south to Michoacán, with an isolated British Columbia population.

It is documented broadly through the interior Southwest, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and Utah, with more local California occurrence. Suitable open shallow water is more predictive than the word 'plains.'

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Habitat & flight period

Prairie ponds, marshes, slow streams and shallow vegetated wetlands from lowlands into open mountain valleys.

Spring through summer in much of the range, with later emergence at high elevation and longer flights in warm lowlands.

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Finding strategy

Search fine vegetation at open shorelines and make a full series of face, thorax and abdomen images before separating western forktails.

Search fine vegetation around prairie ponds, shallow marshes and slow streams, including open mountain valleys. Photograph the terminal segment from an angle that shows the fork rather than letting the wings obscure it.

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Similar species

Pacific, Black-fronted and Mexican Forktails overlap in parts of the West. Male appendages and thoracic markings resolve difficult individuals.

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Photography in the field

A small reflector of open sky can light the face; maintain a low angle without entering soft wetland margins.

Protect the water edge, keep a working distance, and leave the insect and its perch as found.