Austrocordulia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austrocordulia |
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| Austrocordulia refracta | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Austrocorduliidae |
| Genus: | Austrocordulia Tillyard, 1909 |
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Austrocordulia is a group, or genus, of dragonfly found only in northern and eastern Australia. When an animal or plant is found only in one specific area, it is called endemic to that place.
These dragonflies are usually medium-sized. They have dark colors, like brown or black, often with bright yellow markings.
Contents
What are Austrocordulia Dragonflies?
Austrocordulia dragonflies belong to a larger group of insects called Odonata. This group includes both dragonflies and damselflies. They are known for their amazing flying skills and often live near water.
Where They Live
You can find Austrocordulia dragonflies in the northern and eastern parts of Australia. They prefer habitats near rivers, streams, and other freshwater areas where they can hunt and lay their eggs.
Appearance and Habits
These dragonflies are known for their strong bodies and clear wings. Their dark colors help them blend into their surroundings. Like all dragonflies, they are predators, meaning they hunt other insects in the air. They are very important for controlling insect populations.
Species of Austrocordulia
Scientists have identified a few different types, or species, within the Austrocordulia genus. Each species has its own unique features and preferred habitats.
- Austrocordulia leonardi Theischinger, 1973 – This species is sometimes called the Sydney hawk.
- Austrocordulia refracta Tillyard, 1909 – Known as the eastern hawk, this species was first described in 1909.
- Austrocordulia territoria Theischinger & Watson, 1978 – This dragonfly is often called the Top End hawk, referring to the northern part of Australia where it lives.
Why Scientists Group Them Differently
Sometimes, scientists have different ideas about how to group animals into families. This happens because new information is always being discovered. For Austrocordulia, there are a few different views on which family it best belongs to:
- Some experts, like those at the Australian Faunal Directory, place it in the Austrocorduliidae family.
- Other groups, such as the World Odonata List at the Slater Museum of Natural History, think it fits better in the Synthemistidae family.
- On Wikispecies, it is listed as part of the Corduliidae family.
This shows how the study of nature, called taxonomy, is always growing and changing as scientists learn more about living things.
