Nannophya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nannophya
Nannophya pygmaea
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Infraorder:	Anisoptera
Family:	Libellulidae
Genus:	Nannophya Rambur, 1842

Nannophya is a special group of very tiny dragonflies. They are found in different parts of Asia and Australia. People often call them Pygmyflies because they are so incredibly small!

These amazing insects are usually brightly colored. One famous species, the Nannophya pygmaea (also known as the scarlet dwarf), holds a world record. It is considered the smallest dragonfly on Earth!

Meet the Pygmyflies

Pygmyflies belong to a larger family of dragonflies called Libellulidae. Dragonflies are fascinating insects with two pairs of strong wings. They are known for their excellent flying skills. They also have large eyes that help them see very well.

What Makes Pygmyflies Special?

What makes Nannophya dragonflies stand out is their size. They are much smaller than most other dragonflies you might see. Even though they are tiny, they can be quite colorful. This makes them beautiful to observe in their natural homes.

Where Pygmyflies Live

You can find these little dragonflies in various habitats across Asia and Australia. They often live near water, like ponds, marshes, or slow-moving streams. These watery places are where they lay their eggs and where their young (called nymphs) grow up.

Different Kinds of Pygmyflies

The Nannophya group includes several different kinds, or species. Each species has its own unique features, even if they are all very small. Here are some of the known species:

• Nannophya australis
• Nannophya dalei - This one is also called the Eastern Pygmyfly.
• Nannophya katrainensis
• Nannophya occidentalis - You might know this as the Western Pygmyfly.
• Nannophya paulsoni - This is the Scarlet Pygmyfly.
• Nannophya pygmaea - This is the famous Scarlet dwarf, the world's smallest dragonfly!