Pale hunter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pale hunter
Female
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The pale hunter (scientific name: Austrogomphus amphiclitus) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the family Gomphidae. These fascinating insects live near streams and rivers in eastern Australia.

This dragonfly is a medium-sized insect. It has a striking black and yellow body.

About Dragonflies

Dragonflies are amazing insects. They are known for their bright colors and incredible flying skills. They have been around for millions of years. Dragonflies are often found near water. This is because their young, called nymphs, live in water.

What Makes a Dragonfly Special?

Dragonflies have several unique features. They have large, compound eyes. These eyes give them excellent vision. They can see in almost every direction. This helps them hunt other insects. They also have two pairs of strong, transparent wings. These wings allow them to fly very fast. They can even hover and fly backward!

The Life Cycle of a Dragonfly

Dragonflies go through an interesting life cycle. It has three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

Eggs and Nymphs

Female dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water. The eggs hatch into nymphs. Dragonfly nymphs live underwater. They are fierce predators. They eat small aquatic creatures. Nymphs can live underwater for months or even years. They shed their skin many times as they grow. This process is called molting.

Adult Dragonflies

When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water. It then sheds its skin one last time. This is when it transforms into an adult dragonfly. The adult dragonfly has wings and can fly. Its main job is to find a mate and reproduce. Adult dragonflies are also predators. They catch and eat other flying insects. They are very important for controlling insect populations.

Where the Pale Hunter Lives

The pale hunter dragonfly lives in eastern Australia. You can find them near freshwater habitats. This includes streams and rivers. They need clean water for their nymphs to grow. Protecting these watery places is important. It helps dragonflies and many other animals survive.

Gallery

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  Female showing rounded inboard edge of hindwing

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  Side view of female

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  Female wings

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  Male wings