Eight species of forktails are found in California, all genus Ischnura. Pacific and Western
Forktails are common in the South Bay; the Swift less so, and the Black-fronted is uncommon.

The Pacific Forktail is probably our most abundant odonate. Continuous emergence throughout the year
results in the longest total flight season of any of our odo's, consistently early March through November,
with occasional sightings in February; one year I found some females at Oka Ponds on Dec 4th.

Western Forktails are common at most of our ponds. This species is unusual in that sometimes only females can be
found; in fact, sometimes females are present while no males can be found. I have never seen this species mating.

Swifts are our largest Ischnura; I find them every year at a seep-spring in Monte Bello, occasionally at
mountain-area ponds. I have found the Black-fronted only at one location, upstream from Ogier Ponds.

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