Pilbara tiger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilbara tiger |
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The Pilbara tiger (scientific name: Ictinogomphus dobsoni) is a cool type of dragonfly. It belongs to the family Lindeniidae. Before, it was thought to be part of the Gomphidae family.
This dragonfly is a medium to large insect. It has a black body with bright yellow markings. Its wings are clear, like glass.
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What is a Dragonfly?
Dragonflies are amazing insects. They are known for their strong, clear wings. They also have big eyes that help them see all around. Dragonflies are often found near water. This is because their young, called nymphs, live in the water.
Dragonfly Superpowers
Dragonflies are expert flyers. They can fly forward, backward, and even hover in one spot. They are also very fast. Some dragonflies can fly up to 35 miles per hour! Their large eyes help them spot tiny insects to eat. They are like tiny flying hunters.
Where the Pilbara Tiger Lives
The Pilbara tiger dragonfly is special. It is found only in one place. This place is the Pilbara region in Western Australia. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific area, it is called endemic. So, the Pilbara tiger is endemic to the Pilbara.
Pilbara Tiger Habitat
In the Pilbara, these dragonflies love water. They live near rivers, lakes, and ponds. These watery places are perfect for them. They find food there and lay their eggs in the water.
What the Pilbara Tiger Looks Like
The Pilbara tiger is a striking dragonfly. It has a mostly black body. But it also has bright yellow patterns. These patterns make it stand out. Its wings are completely clear. They do not have any color.
Comparing Pilbara Tigers
The Pilbara tiger looks a lot like another dragonfly. This one is called Ictinogomphus australis. It can be tricky to tell them apart! Scientists look closely at their features. This helps them know which species is which.
Life Cycle of a Dragonfly
Dragonflies have a fascinating life cycle. It has three main stages. These stages are egg, nymph, and adult.
Egg Stage
Female dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water. They might drop them into the water. Or they might place them on water plants. The eggs are tiny. They are the start of a new dragonfly.
Nymph Stage
When the eggs hatch, tiny nymphs come out. These nymphs live underwater. They breathe using gills, just like fish! Nymphs are fierce predators. They eat small water insects and even tiny fish. They grow by shedding their skin. This process is called molting. They can live as nymphs for months or even years.
Adult Stage
When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water. It climbs onto a plant stem or rock. Then, its skin splits open. The adult dragonfly slowly emerges. Its wings unfold and dry. Once its wings are strong, it flies off. The adult dragonfly lives for only a few weeks or months. During this time, it mates and lays eggs. This starts the cycle all over again.
Gallery
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Female wings
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Male wings
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