Australian duskhawker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australian duskhawker |
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The Australian duskhawker (scientific name: Austrogynacantha heterogena) is a special type of dragonfly. It belongs to a group of dragonflies called Austrogynacantha. This amazing insect is the only species known in its group! You can find it flying around in Australia and New Caledonia.
This dragonfly is not too big, about a medium size. It has a dark body with bright green or yellow spots and patterns. The Australian duskhawker is known for being active at certain times of the day. It flies mostly during dawn (when the sun comes up) and dusk (when the sun goes down). It likes to live near calm, still water.
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Meet the Australian Duskhawker
The Australian duskhawker is a fascinating insect. It is part of the Aeshnidae family, which includes many large and powerful dragonflies. These dragonflies are often called "hawkers" because they fly quickly and hunt other insects in the air.
What Makes This Dragonfly Special?
The Australian duskhawker is unique because it is the only species in its entire group, Austrogynacantha. This means it has no close relatives that are also known. It was first described by a scientist named Robert John Tillyard in 1908.
Where Does it Live?
You can find the Australian duskhawker in two main places. It lives in parts of Australia. It also lives on the islands of New Caledonia. This dragonfly prefers areas with still water, like ponds or slow-moving streams.
When Can You See It?
Unlike many other dragonflies that fly during the day, the Australian duskhawker is a "duskhawker." This means it is most active when the light is low. You might spot it flying around at sunrise or sunset. It hunts for food during these times.
Important Note
Be careful not to mix up the Australian duskhawker (Austrogynacantha heterogena) with another dragonfly called the Australasian duskhawker (Anaciaeschna jaspidea). Even though their names sound similar, they are different species of dragonflies. They both belong to the Aeshnidae family, but they are not the same insect.
Pictures of the Australian Duskhawker
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A close-up picture of the Australian duskhawker's head.
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The beautiful wings of a female Australian duskhawker.
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The wings of a male Australian duskhawker.
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