Orange threadtail facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Orange threadtail
Male
Female
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The orange threadtail (Nososticta solida) is a cool insect from Australia. It's a type of damselfly, which looks a lot like a dragonfly! This damselfly belongs to a family called Platycnemididae.

These damselflies are medium-sized, usually about 35 millimeters long. That's about the length of a paperclip! You can often spot them near slow-moving water, like streams or rivers. They love places that are a bit shady.

Orange threadtails often rest on plants right at the water's edge. They can be seen throughout the year in some areas. In southern Australia, you might see them more in summer. Further north, they appear in spring and autumn.

When a Nososticta damselfly rests, it holds its wings neatly folded up. They keep them close to their body, pointing straight up.

What Do They Look Like?

Male orange threadtails are quite striking! They have an orange-yellow body part called a thorax. This part has cool black patterns on it. Their long, thin tail (abdomen) is black with yellow stripes. The base of their wings has a brownish-yellow color.

Female orange threadtails are the same size as the males. But they are a pale brown color instead of orange-yellow. They also have the same neat black patterns on their bodies as the males.

Where They Live

Orange threadtails are found in the eastern parts of Australia. You can spot them in states like Queensland and New South Wales. They also live in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.

Gallery

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  A male orange threadtail

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  Another view of a male

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  A mating pair. The male holds the female as she lays eggs.

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  Close-up of female wings

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  Close-up of male wings