Macromiidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Macromiidae |
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| Macromia illinoiensis | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Macromiidae Needham, 1903 |
| Genera | |
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Didymops Rambur, 1842 |
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The Macromiidae are a family of dragonfly species. They are often called cruisers or skimmers because of how they fly. These dragonflies usually fly straight down the middle of rivers, streams, or even roads!
Cruisers are similar in size to another dragonfly family called Aeshnidae. However, you can tell cruisers apart by their bright green eyes. Their eyes just barely touch at the top of their heads. This family includes four main groups, called genera, and has about 125 different species found all over the world.
Reproduction
Female cruiser dragonflies do not have a special tool called an ovipositor to lay their eggs. Instead, they lay their eggs by dipping the end of their body into the water as they fly. This usually happens without a male dragonfly nearby.
Life Cycle and Habitat
Young cruiser dragonflies are called naiads. They live in rivers, streams, and lakes where the water is always moving. These naiads hide among plants and debris at the bottom of the water. They wait there quietly for their prey to come by.
Images for kids
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A close-up of a Macromia illinoiensis dragonfly, a type of cruiser.
See also
In Spanish: Macromiidae para niños
