Ischnura pumilio (Charpentier, 1825)

Even if this is the smallest (26-31 mm) among the Italian species in its genus, by general appearance it is very similar to the other two Ischnura. It can be separated from these by the position of the back abdominal pale blue spot, covering the distal portion of the 8^th and the whole 9^th segment. Full grown females feature a completely black abdomen, but in tenerals the color is bright orange (thorax and anterior portion of the abdomen) and black (middle and posterior portion of the abdomen).

In flight from Mars to October. 

Typically a pioneer species, colonizing quickly recent reservoirs where often it can be found with abundant populations. It can live also in other water bodies such as marshes, ponds, small streams etc., but with poorer populations. 

It can be found in most of Europe but it is absent in Scandinavia and most of the British Isles. Eastwards it reaches Siberia. This species is less widespread of the congener, but it is well-represented in the Cuneo region in plain or hill suitable habitats.