Cave duskhawker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cave duskhawker |
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The cave duskhawker (scientific name: Gynacantha nourlangie) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Aeshnidae family, which includes many large dragonflies. This special insect gets its name because it lives near pools inside caves in northern Australia.
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Meet the Cave Duskhawker
The cave duskhawker is a fairly large dragonfly. It has a sandy brown color, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. One interesting feature is its body shape. Its abdomen, which is the long part of its body, looks a bit pinched or narrow at the third segment. This gives it a unique "waist" appearance.
Where Does it Live?
This dragonfly is found across a wide area in northern Australia. You can find it in places like the Kimberley region in Western Australia. It also lives in the northern parts of the Northern Territory. Further east, it can be seen in Cape York, Queensland. Its favorite spots are pools of water found deep inside caves.
When Does it Fly?
The cave duskhawker is a crepuscular insect. This means it is most active during twilight hours. You will usually see it flying around at dawn, which is early in the morning as the sun rises. It also flies at dusk, which is the time when the sun sets and evening begins. During the brightest parts of the day, it tends to rest.
How Did it Get Its Name?
The scientific name Gynacantha nourlangie has a special meaning. The "nourlangie" part comes from Nourlangie Creek. This creek is located in western Arnhem Land, which is in the Northern Territory of Australia. This is one of the places where this unique dragonfly was first discovered and studied.
Gallery
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Female wings
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Male wings
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