Xanthocnemis zealandica

Xanthocnemis zealandica, commonly known as common redcoat damselfly,[1] red damselfly, or red coat damselfly, is the most common native New Zealand damselfly.[2] Adult damselflies are often seen flying around vegetation close to streams.

Xanthocnemis zealandica
Male holotype specimen held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Female allotype specimen held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Xanthocnemis
Species:	X. zealandica
Binomial name
Xanthocnemis zealandica (McLachlan, 1873)

X. zealandica has a 2–3 year life cycle; the shorter one was observed near sea level while the longer one was characteristic to a mid-elevation site (579 m (1,900 ft) above sea level). Some individuals at the lowland site may even complete their life cycle in one year.[3] X. zealandica larvae are widespread across New Zealand, occurring in rocky and weedy streams and ponds.[4] It is predominantly a low-altitude species but can reach 1,945 m (6,381 ft) above sea level.[1] The larvae of the red damselfly are identified by their pointed tail gills and long hairs by the tip.[4]