Arrowhead rockmaster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arrowhead rockmaster
Diphlebia nymphoides
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The Diphlebia nymphoides is a special kind of damselfly from Australia. It's often called the arrowhead rockmaster because of its unique shape and where it likes to live. This amazing insect belongs to the family Lestoideidae.

It's a large and strong-looking damselfly. The adult male is a bright blue with a tail that has black and blue stripes. The female, however, has colors that are not as bright. When it rests, its wings, which are slightly tinted, stay spread out.

Meet the Arrowhead Rockmaster!

The arrowhead rockmaster is a fascinating insect. It's part of a group called Odonata, which includes both damselflies and dragonflies. While they look similar, damselflies like the arrowhead rockmaster have a few key differences.

Damselfly vs. Dragonfly: What's the Difference?

• Wings at rest: Damselflies usually fold their wings together over their back when they are resting. Dragonflies, on the other hand, typically hold their wings out to the sides.
• Body shape: Damselflies often have thinner, more delicate bodies compared to the sturdier bodies of dragonflies.
• Eye shape: Damselflies have eyes that are usually separated and don't touch each other. Dragonflies often have large eyes that meet in the middle of their head.

Appearance of the Arrowhead Rockmaster

The arrowhead rockmaster is quite striking.

• Size: It's considered a large damselfly.
• Male colors: The male is known for its brilliant blue body. Its tail is striped with black and blue, making it easy to spot.
• Female colors: Females have more muted or duller colors, often a mix of greens, browns, or grays, which helps them blend into their surroundings.
• Wings: Both males and females have lightly tinted wings that they hold spread out when they are not flying.

Where Does the Arrowhead Rockmaster Live?

The arrowhead rockmaster is an endemic species. This means it is found only in one specific part of the world.

• Home: Its home is eastern Australia.
• Habitat: It loves to live near fresh water. You can find it in streams and rivers. These places provide the perfect environment for them to hunt and lay their eggs.

Life of a Damselfly

Damselflies go through several stages in their life.

• Eggs: Adult females lay their eggs in or near water.
• Nymphs: The eggs hatch into larvae called nymphs. These nymphs live underwater. They are skilled hunters, using a special lower lip to catch small water creatures. Nymphs can live underwater for months or even years.
• Adults: When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water. Its skin splits open, and the adult damselfly emerges. The adult damselfly then flies around, hunts, and mates, starting the cycle all over again.

What Do They Eat?

Adult arrowhead rockmasters are predators. They are very good at catching other insects while flying.

• Diet: They mainly eat smaller insects like mosquitoes and flies. This makes them helpful in controlling insect populations.
• Hunting: They have excellent eyesight, which helps them spot their prey. They are fast and agile flyers, making them effective hunters.

Gallery

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  Male Diphlebia nymphoides

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  Male detail

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  Detail of male tail

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  Face on

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  Female wings

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  Male wings