Ictinogomphus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ictinogomphus
Ictinogomphus rapax (Common Clubtail)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Lindeniidae
Genus:	Ictinogomphus Cowley, 1934

Common flangetail
Ictinogomphus decoratus male
Singapore

Ictinogomphus is a group of dragonflies. Scientists call groups like this a "genus." These dragonflies are usually medium to large in size. They often have bright yellow and black colors. Their wings are clear, allowing you to see through them. You can find Ictinogomphus dragonflies in many parts of the world. They live in Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Meet the Ictinogomphus Dragonflies

The Ictinogomphus genus includes many different kinds of dragonflies. Here are some of them:

• Ictinogomphus alaquopterus
• Ictinogomphus angulosus
• Ictinogomphus australis - This one is also called the Australian Tiger.
• Ictinogomphus celebensis
• Ictinogomphus decoratus - You might know this as the Common Flangetail.
• Ictinogomphus dobsoni - This is the Pilbara Tiger.
• Ictinogomphus (Cinitogomphus) dundoensis - Also known as the Swamp Tigertail.
• Ictinogomphus ferox - This is the Common Tiger or Common Tigertail.
• Ictinogomphus fraseri
• Ictinogomphus kishori
• Ictinogomphus paulini - This is the Cape York Tiger.
• Ictinogomphus pertinax
• Ictinogomphus pugnovittatus
• Ictinogomphus rapax - This is the Common Clubtail.
• Ictinogomphus regisalberti
• Ictinogomphus tenax

How Ictinogomphus Got Its Name

The story of how Ictinogomphus got its name is quite interesting. A scientist named Jules Rambur first described this group in 1842. He called it Ictinus.

However, there was a small problem. Another scientist, François Laporte, had already used the name Ictinus in 1834. He used it for a type of beetle. To avoid confusion, a new name was needed for the dragonflies.

In 1934, an English bug expert named John Cowley stepped in. He decided to rename the dragonfly genus. He chose Ictinogomphus to honor Rambur's original name. Because of this, John Cowley is now known as the person who officially named this group. So, you might see the name written as Ictinogomphus Cowley, 1934.

Where Do Ictinogomphus Dragonflies Belong?

Sometimes, scientists don't always agree on how to group animals. This is true for Ictinogomphus dragonflies too.

The Australian Faunal Directory is a big list of animals found in Australia. They think Ictinogomphus belongs to a family called Lindeniidae. A "family" is a larger group that includes several genera.

On the other hand, the World Odonata List has a different idea. This list is kept at the Slater Museum of Natural History at the University of Puget Sound. They believe Ictinogomphus belongs to a family called Gomphidae.

Both families are groups of dragonflies. Scientists continue to study these amazing insects to learn more about them.

Images for kids

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  Common flangetail I. decoratus melaenops male Thailand