Argiocnemis rubescens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Argiocnemis rubescens
Male, Queensland
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Argiocnemis Selys, 1877

The red-tipped shadefly (Argiocnemis rubescens) is a type of damselfly. Damselflies are small, delicate insects that look a lot like dragonflies. This species is found in many places, from India all the way to Australia. It is also known as Argiocnemis rubescens.

Discovering the Red-Tipped Shadefly

The red-tipped shadefly is a beautiful insect. It belongs to a group of insects called damselflies. These insects are related to dragonflies. They are part of the Coenagrionidae family. This family includes many small and medium-sized damselflies.

Where Does the Red-Tipped Shadefly Live?

This damselfly is found in many parts of the world. You can find it from India to southern China. It also lives in south-east Asia, New Guinea, and Australia. It likes to live near fresh, still water. This includes places like pools, marshes, and swamps.

In Australia, you can find it in many suitable places. Its range goes from Shark Bay in the west. It spreads across the northern part of the continent. It reaches as far as Point Hicks in the south-east.

What Does the Red-Tipped Shadefly Look Like?

The adult red-tipped shadefly is a small to medium-sized insect. It is usually about 35 to 40 millimeters long. Its back wings are less than 22 millimeters long.

When they are young, these damselflies are a pale reddish-brown color. As they grow older, the males change. Mature males become dark. They have pale green stripes on their body, near their wings. They also have bright red colors on segments 8 and 9 of their tail.

Is the Red-Tipped Shadefly in Danger?

Scientists check on how many of these damselflies there are. They use something called the IUCN Red List. This list helps us know if animals are safe or in danger. The red-tipped shadefly is listed as "least concern." This means there are plenty of them around. They are not currently at risk of disappearing.

Images for kids

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  This drawing shows a damselfly wing. It helps scientists identify the species.

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  A close-up photo of a female's wings.

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  A close-up photo of a male's wings.