Large riverdamsel Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Large riverdamsel
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Coenagrionidae
Genus:	Caliagrion Tillyard, 1913
Species:	C. billinghursti
Binomial name
*Caliagrion billinghursti* Martin, 1901

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A large riverdamsel (scientific name: Caliagrion billinghursti) is a type of damselfly. It's the only species in its group, called a genus (Caliagrion). These damselflies are part of a larger insect family known as Coenagrionidae.

You can only find large riverdamsels in south-eastern Australia. This means they are endemic to that area, living nowhere else in the world. They like to live near slow-moving rivers and calm ponds.

Large riverdamsels are quite big for a damselfly. The males are a bright blue color with black markings. The females, however, are yellow and black.

What is a Damselfly?
- How to Tell Them Apart
Habitat and Where They Live
- Ideal Homes for Riverdamsels
Life Cycle of a Damselfly
- From Egg to Nymph
- Growing Up and Becoming an Adult
Gallery
See also

What is a Damselfly?

Damselflies are amazing insects that look a lot like dragonflies. Both belong to an order of insects called Odonata. Damselflies are usually smaller and more slender than dragonflies.

How to Tell Them Apart

There are a few easy ways to tell a damselfly from a dragonfly. When a damselfly rests, it usually holds its wings together over its back. Dragonflies, on the other hand, often hold their wings out flat to the sides. Also, damselflies have eyes that are usually separated, while dragonflies' eyes often touch each other.

Habitat and Where They Live

The large riverdamsel lives in south-eastern Australia. This includes parts of states like New South Wales and Victoria. They prefer places with fresh water that isn't moving too fast.

Ideal Homes for Riverdamsels

You can often spot these damselflies near slow-flowing rivers. They also like quiet ponds and wetlands. These watery places provide the perfect environment for them to hunt for food and lay their eggs.

Life Cycle of a Damselfly

Like many insects, damselflies go through several stages in their life. This is called metamorphosis. They start as eggs, then become nymphs, and finally turn into adult damselflies.

From Egg to Nymph

Female damselflies lay their eggs in or near water. Often, they place them on water plants. Once the eggs hatch, tiny creatures called nymphs emerge. These nymphs live underwater. They breathe using special gills and are skilled hunters, eating small water insects.

Growing Up and Becoming an Adult

Damselfly nymphs can live underwater for months or even years. They grow by shedding their skin many times. When a nymph is ready to become an adult, it crawls out of the water onto a plant stem or rock. Its skin then splits open, and the adult damselfly emerges. It takes some time for its wings to dry and harden before it can fly away.