Austrogomphus praeruptus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Austrogomphus praeruptus
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Gomphidae
Genus:	Austrogomphus
Subgenus:	Austroepigomphus
Species:	A. praeruptus
Binomial name
Austrogomphus praeruptus (Selys, 1857)
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Synonyms
Austrogomphus melaleucae Tillyard, 1909

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The Austrogomphus praeruptus, sometimes called the praeruptus dragonfly, is a type of dragonfly found in Australia. It belongs to a group of dragonflies known as the Gomphidae family. These fascinating insects live near slow-moving water like streams, rivers, and ponds. You can find them in the eastern parts of Australia.

About This Dragonfly

The Austrogomphus praeruptus is a medium-sized dragonfly. It has a striking look with its black and yellow colors. Like all dragonflies, it has two pairs of strong wings and large eyes.

Where It Lives

This dragonfly prefers places with calm water. It likes slow streams, quiet rivers, and ponds. These habitats provide the perfect environment for it to hunt and lay its eggs. You can spot them flying around these watery areas in eastern Australia.

What It Looks Like

The Austrogomphus praeruptus is known for its black and yellow body. Its wings are clear and strong, allowing it to fly very fast. Dragonflies are amazing flyers and can even hover in the air. They use their excellent eyesight to spot small insects to eat.

Gallery

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  The wings of a female Austrogomphus praeruptus.

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  The wings of a male Austrogomphus praeruptus.

A Little Mystery

Scientists are always learning new things about animals. For this dragonfly, there's a bit of a mystery. The original specimen used to describe Austrogomphus praeruptus is now lost. This makes it tricky for scientists to be absolutely sure about its exact identity.

Some scientists think that dragonflies identified as Austrogomphus praeruptus might actually be another species called Austrogomphus melaleucae. This is especially true for those found north of the Victorian border in Australia. It shows how much more there is to discover about the natural world!