Jade hunter facts for kids

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

The jade hunter (scientific name: Austrogomphus ochraceus) is a cool type of dragonfly that belongs to the Gomphidae family. It's known for its striking black and yellow colors.

You can find these dragonflies in eastern Australia. They love living near streams, rivers, and lakes, stretching from north of Brisbane all the way down through New South Wales to Victoria. They are usually tiny to medium-sized.

What is a Jade Hunter Dragonfly?

The jade hunter is a fascinating insect. Like all dragonflies, it has a long body, two pairs of strong wings, and large eyes. These features help it to be a skilled hunter in the air.

Appearance and Colors

Jade hunters are easy to spot because of their bright colors. They have a mix of black and yellow on their bodies. This color pattern helps them blend in with their surroundings or stand out to other dragonflies.

Where Jade Hunters Live

These dragonflies prefer fresh water habitats. They are often seen flying near slow-moving streams, calm rivers, and peaceful lakes. These watery places are perfect for them to hunt for food and lay their eggs.

Life Cycle of a Dragonfly

Dragonflies, including the jade hunter, go through an amazing life cycle. It starts in the water and ends with them flying freely in the air.

Eggs and Nymphs

A female jade hunter lays her eggs in or near water. When the eggs hatch, tiny creatures called nymphs emerge. These nymphs live underwater, often hiding among plants or in the mud. They are fierce predators, eating small aquatic insects and even tiny fish.

Becoming an Adult Dragonfly

After several months, or even years, the nymph is ready to change. It crawls out of the water, often onto a plant stem. Its skin then splits open, and the adult dragonfly slowly emerges. This process is called metamorphosis. The new adult dragonfly will then fly away, ready to hunt and find a mate.

Hunting and Diet

Jade hunters are excellent hunters. They catch their food while flying.

What They Eat

These dragonflies mostly eat other insects. They are very good at catching flies, mosquitoes, and even smaller butterflies. They use their strong legs to grab their prey right out of the air.

How They Hunt

Dragonflies have incredible eyesight, which helps them spot prey from far away. They are also very fast and agile flyers. This combination makes them super effective predators in their habitat.

Conservation Status

The jade hunter is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. This means that their populations are stable, and they are not considered to be at risk of extinction right now. However, it's always important to protect their habitats to keep them safe for the future.

Gallery

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  Female on daisy

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  Male

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  Male abdomen showing appendages

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  Face

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  Female wings

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  Male wings