Asiatic blood tail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asiatic blood tail |
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The Lathrecista asiatica, also known as the Asiatic Blood Tail, is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which is a large group of dragonflies. This amazing insect is the only species in its special group, called a genus.
You can find the Asiatic Blood Tail in many places. It lives all the way from India across Asia to Australia.
What Does It Look Like?
This dragonfly is a medium size. It has grey eyes with brown caps on top. Its most striking feature is its bright red tail, which is why it's called the "Blood Tail."
The main part of its body, called the thorax, is a copper-brown color. It has two thin yellow stripes that run parallel on its back. The sides of its body also have yellow stripes.
The first two parts of its belly, or abdomen, have wide stripes on the sides. They also have a thin stripe down the middle. Parts 3 to 8 of its abdomen are a bright crimson-red. These red parts have thin black lines at their ends. The last two parts, 9 and 10, are black. The parts near its tail are also black.
If you see a female Asiatic Blood Tail, you'll notice her abdomen is brown. This is different from the male's bright red tail.
Where Does It Live?
The Asiatic Blood Tail dragonfly loves wet places. It often lives near marshes, which are wet, grassy areas. You can also find them around ponds and streams. These are the places where they lay their eggs and their young dragonflies, called nymphs, grow up.
Subspecies
Scientists have identified a few different types, or subspecies, of the Asiatic Blood Tail:
- Lathrecista asiatica asiatica
- Lathrecista asiatica festa (Selys, 1879)
- Lathrecista asiatica pectoralis (Kaup in Brauer, 1867)
