Slender Ringtail
Austrolestes analis
Female
Females are slightly more robust but have similar markings to males. Base colour varies. Some individuals are a deep glossy green and cream, others are similar in colour to mature males.
Similar species
All lestids are similar, but the one most likely to be found in similar habitat is A. annulosus, which is marked very differently. A. aridus is most similar looking but records of this species are confined to NW Victoria.
Behaviour
Often seen flying low over vegetation and settling on top of grass stems in a characteristic Lestid pose with the body perpendicular to the grass stem. Surprisingly powerful flight over distance when flushed from grassland.
Habitat
Typically found in riverine pools, lakes, ponds, ephemeral wetlands and swamps. Often wanders far from water and is the most likely species to be found in gardens in Melbourne. Usually quite common in grass in the vicinity of still water such as pools, dams and ditches.
Identification
A needle-thin, medium-sized Austrolestes quite dissimilar to others in the genus. Readily identified by its antehumeral stripe that crosses the mesopleural suture; the pale stripe up the centre of the second abdominal segment and overall colouration. however, this latter feature may vary with temperature and the maturity of the individual). Males have a series of narrow rings around the base of each abdominal segment ending in a pale spot on the last segment only. The colour on males tends towards a bronzy-black contrasting with relatively pale blue areas, compared to mature male specimens of other Lestids that are often strikingly rich blue and black.
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Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
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