Lestoidea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lestoidea
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Lestoideidae
Genus:	Lestoidea Tillyard, 1913

Lestoidea is a special group of damselflies that live in Australia. These insects are part of the Lestoideidae family. People often call them bluestreaks because of their appearance.

These bluestreaks are unique to a specific part of Australia: north-east Queensland. They love to live near streams in the rainforest.

Lestoidea damselflies are medium to large in size. They usually have a dark brown or black body. You might also spot a dull orange patch on the side of their thorax (the middle part of their body). Other parts of their body often have greenish-yellow markings.

What are Bluestreaks?

Bluestreaks are a type of damselfly. Damselflies are flying insects that look a lot like dragonflies. However, damselflies are usually smaller and more slender. When they rest, most damselflies hold their wings together over their back. Dragonflies, on the other hand, usually hold their wings out flat.

Where Do Bluestreaks Live?

These special damselflies are found only in north-east Queensland, Australia. This means they are endemic to that area. They prefer to live in rainforests, especially near clean streams. The rainforest provides the perfect home for them to hunt and lay their eggs.

Meet the Species of Lestoidea

The Lestoidea group includes four known species. Each one has its own unique features.

• Lestoidea barbarae Watson, 1967 - This one is known as the large bluestreak.
• Lestoidea brevicauda Theischinger, 1996 - This species is called the short-tipped bluestreak.
• Lestoidea conjuncta Tillyard, 1913 - This is the common bluestreak. It was first described in 1913.
• Lestoidea lewisiana Theischinger, 1996 - This bluestreak is named after Mount Lewis.

Images for kids

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  This map shows where Lestoidea bluestreaks live in Australia.