Ischnura senegalensis

This is one of the first damselflies I came across in the padi fields. 

It is the Ischnura senegalensis, of the family Coenagrionidae, and is sometimes referred to as the Senegal Bluetail or Common Bluetail because of the bright blue marking at the tip of its abdomen.

This species is common and often found in disturbed, open habitats including still and slowly flowing water.
It is very small in size.  And certainly tiny compared to the robust-looking dragonflies you usually see zapping around. 

To give you an idea, the hindwing length is 15mm for this damselfly.  The wings seem so delicate and the venation simply intricate.  Yes, it is hard to imagine something can be so tiny and yet have so many patterns and colours on it.

Female damselflies of this species are polymorphic in that they have different colour forms from the male, specifically olive and orange forms.  In addition, there is also an andromorph form like the male.

Mother Nature is truly amazing with her creations!

Ischnura senegalensis, female, olive form

 

Ischnura senegalensis, female, orange form