Top End archtail facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Top End archtail
Female, Northern Territory
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The Top End archtail (scientific name: Nannophlebia mudginberri) is a cool type of dragonfly. It belongs to a family of dragonflies called Libellulidae. This small, speedy insect loves to live near streams in northern Australia. It has a slender body and striking black and yellow markings.

Meet the Top End Archtail

Dragonflies are amazing insects known for their incredible flying skills. The Top End archtail is no different! It was first described by scientists Tony Watson and Günther Theischinger in 1991. This makes it a relatively new discovery in the world of insects.

Where Do They Live?

The Top End archtail dragonfly lives in a special part of Australia. You can find them in the "Top End" region, which is in the northern part of the country. They prefer to live near fresh water, especially streams. These streams provide the perfect home for them to hunt and lay their eggs.

What Do They Look Like?

This dragonfly is quite small. It has a sleek body that helps it fly fast and gracefully. Its colors are a mix of black and bright yellow. These colors might help it blend in with its surroundings or warn predators to stay away. Like all dragonflies, it has two pairs of strong, clear wings. These wings help it zoom through the air.

Dragonfly Life Cycle

Like all dragonflies, the Top End archtail goes through a fascinating life cycle. It starts as an egg laid in water. The egg hatches into a nymph, which lives underwater. Dragonfly nymphs are fierce predators. They hunt other small water creatures. After some time, the nymph crawls out of the water. It then sheds its skin one last time. This is when it transforms into the beautiful adult dragonfly we see flying around.

Gallery

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  Female, alternative view

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  Female wings

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  Male wings