Northern threadtail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern threadtail |
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Northern threadtail (male) | |
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Scientific classification | |
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The northern threadtail (scientific name: Nososticta fraterna) is a cool damselfly found in Australia. It belongs to a family of damselflies called Platycnemididae. Damselflies are often mistaken for dragonflies, but they are usually smaller and hold their wings differently when resting.
Meet the Northern Threadtail
The northern threadtail is a small to medium-sized damselfly. It's known for its slender body, which is how it gets the "threadtail" part of its name. These insects are important parts of their ecosystems, often found near water.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult northern threadtails have a wingspan of about 25 to 35 millimeters. That's roughly the length of a small paperclip! Their bodies are dark, but they have pale stripes on their synthorax, which is the part of their body where their wings and legs are attached.
The wings of the male northern threadtail often have a pretty lemon-yellow tint. Female northern threadtails usually have clear, transparent wings, which scientists call hyaline.
Where Do They Live?
You can find the northern threadtail in the northern and eastern parts of Australia. They live in places with the right kind of habitat. This includes areas from the very top of the Northern Territory all the way to the northern half of Queensland.
Their favorite places to live are near fresh water. They love hanging out around rivers, lagoons that are connected to rivers, and small streams. These watery homes provide everything they need to survive and thrive.