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Eastern brown tigertail facts for kids

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Eastern brown tigertail
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Archaeosynthemis orientalis distribution map.svg
Synonyms
  • Synthemis macrostigma orientalis Tillyard, 1910

The eastern brown tigertail (scientific name: Archaeosynthemis orientalis) is a fascinating type of dragonfly. It belongs to a family of dragonflies called Synthemistidae. This medium-sized insect has cool reddish-brown and yellow patterns. You can find it living in wet, swampy areas and creeks in eastern Australia. It looks quite a lot like its cousin, the Archaeosynthemis occidentalis, which lives in Western Australia.

What is a Dragonfly?

Dragonflies are amazing insects known for their bright colors and incredible flying skills. They have two pairs of strong, transparent wings. Their large, compound eyes help them see almost all around them. Dragonflies are often found near water, like ponds, rivers, and swamps. They are important predators, meaning they hunt and eat other insects.

The Eastern Brown Tigertail's Appearance

The eastern brown tigertail is a medium-sized dragonfly. It has a body marked with reddish-brown and yellow colors. These colors help it blend in with its surroundings. Like all dragonflies, it has a long, slender body. It also has four wings that allow it to fly very fast and change direction quickly.

Where Does the Eastern Brown Tigertail Live?

This special dragonfly lives in eastern Australia. It prefers places that are quite wet. You can often find it near boggy creeks and swamps. These habitats provide the perfect environment for it to hunt and lay its eggs. The water is important for the early stages of its life.

Its Habitat in Eastern Australia

Eastern Australia has many different types of environments. The eastern brown tigertail chooses specific wet areas. These include slow-moving creeks and areas with lots of marshy ground. Such places are rich in the smaller insects that dragonflies love to eat. They also offer safe spots for young dragonflies to grow.

Discovery of the Eastern Brown Tigertail

The eastern brown tigertail was first described in 1910. It was named by a scientist named Robert John Tillyard. Tillyard was a famous entomologist, which means he studied insects. His work helped us learn a lot about dragonflies and other insects in Australia.

Its Scientific Family

The eastern brown tigertail belongs to the family Synthemistidae. This family is sometimes called the "tigertail" dragonflies. They are known for their strong bodies and often dark markings. Many species in this family are found in Australia and nearby regions.

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