The metallic ringtail (Austrolestes cingulatus) is an Australian damselfly in the family Lestidae, It is widely distributed in Tasmania, Victoria and eastern New South Wales. It is a thin, medium-sized damselfly with a green and gold or bluish green and gold coloration. Each abdominal segment is marked by a pale "ring"; this, combined with its glossy metallic coloration, give it its common name of metallic ringtail.
It is active through October to March in still-water bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and alpine bogs, being usually found amongst vegetation.
Etymology The genus name Austrolestes combines the prefix austro- (from Latin auster, meaning “south wind”, hence “southern”) with Lestes, a genus name derived from Greek λῃστής (lēstēs, “robber”).
The species name cingulatus is derived from the Latin cingulum ("girdle" or "sword-belt") and the suffix -atus ("provided with"), referring to rings at the bases of the abdominal segments.
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See also List of Odonata species of Australia
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