About New Zealand Blue Damselfly
New Zealand's most common damselfly, with striking blue and black colouration in males. It is found near ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams throughout the country. This species is remarkably cold-tolerant for a damselfly.
Did You Know?
This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.
How to Identify New Zealand Blue Damselfly
New Zealand Blue Damselfly (Austrolestes colensonis) belongs to the order Odonata, family Lestidae. Adults typically measure 35-42 mm.
New Zealand Blue Damselfly Habitat
New Zealand Blue Damselfly is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across Oceania (New Zealand). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
New Zealand Blue Damselfly Diet and Feeding
New Zealand Blue Damselfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is New Zealand Blue Damselfly Found?
New Zealand Blue Damselfly can be found in Oceania (New Zealand), where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where New Zealand Blue Damselfly can be found
Is New Zealand Blue Damselfly Dangerous?
New Zealand Blue Damselfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
New Zealand Blue Damselfly Role in Nature
New Zealand Blue Damselfly plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like New Zealand Blue Damselfly are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Blue Damselfly
What does New Zealand Blue Damselfly look like?
The New Zealand Blue Damselfly typically measures 35-42 mm.
Where is New Zealand Blue Damselfly found?
The New Zealand Blue Damselfly is found in Oceania (New Zealand) and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does New Zealand Blue Damselfly eat?
The New Zealand Blue Damselfly has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is New Zealand Blue Damselfly dangerous to humans?
The New Zealand Blue Damselfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about New Zealand Blue Damselfly?
This damselfly can remain active in temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius, unusual for an odonate and an adaptation to New Zealand's cool climate.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). New Zealand Blue Damselfly (Austrolestes colensonis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-blue-damselfly
MLA:
"New Zealand Blue Damselfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/new-zealand-blue-damselfly.