Eastern Forktail
(Ischnura verticalis)
The Eastern Forktail is easily the most widespread damselfly in central Wisconsin. It flies from May to September and could be found almost anywhere in vegetation near open water. The male can be told from the Fragile Forktail by the blue-tipped abdomen. Note the two photos at the bottom right are Eastern Forktails with the exclamation point markings of the Fragile Forktail. I have seen many individuals like this, but early June individuals in 2005 seemed to be much more likely to not have a well developed line. Females are extremely variable and may be orange (immature)or brownish blue as in the photos at the top right or they male-like.