Austrolestes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Austrolestes |
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| Blue Ringtail (Austrolestes annulosus) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Suborder: | Zygoptera |
| Family: | Lestidae |
| Genus: | Austrolestes Tillyard, 1913 |
Austrolestes is a group of cool insects called damselflies. They are like tiny, colorful helicopters that fly around water. These damselflies are usually medium to large in size. They belong to a family called Lestidae.
One special thing about Austrolestes damselflies is how they rest. They sit with their wings folded completely back over their bodies. This makes them look very sleek. Male Austrolestes damselflies are often bright blue and black. The females are usually a bit duller in color.
You can find these interesting damselflies in different parts of the world. They live in Australia, New Zealand, and some South Pacific islands. They often hang out near ponds, streams, and other watery places.
Species of Austrolestes
The Austrolestes group includes many different kinds of damselflies. Here are some of them:
- Austrolestes aleison - This one is called the Western ringtail.
- Austrolestes analis - Known as the Slender ringtail.
- Austrolestes annulosus - You might know this as the Blue ringtail.
- Austrolestes aridus - This is the Inland ringtail.
- Austrolestes cingulatus - Called the Metallic ringtail.
- Austrolestes colensonis - This one is also known as the Blue damselfly or kekewai.
- Austrolestes insularis - The Northern ringtail.
- Austrolestes io - This is the Iota ringtail.
- Austrolestes leda - Also known as the Wandering ringtail.
- Austrolestes minjerriba - This is the Dune ringtail.
- Austrolestes psyche - The Cup ringtail.
What's in a Name?
The name Austrolestes has a cool meaning. It comes from two parts. "Austro" comes from a Latin word meaning "south wind" or "south." "Lestes" comes from a Greek word that means "a robber." So, the name basically means "southern robber."
In 1913, a scientist named Robin Tillyard gave this group its name. He noticed that Austrolestes damselflies were similar to another large group called Lestes. The main difference is how they hold their wings. Austrolestes damselflies fold their wings back, while Lestes damselflies spread their wings out when they rest.
