Powdered wiretail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Powdered wiretail |
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The powdered wiretail (scientific name: Rhadinosticta simplex) is a type of damselfly. It belongs to a family of insects called Isostictidae. You can find this damselfly in Australia. It is quite common in certain areas there.
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What Does it Look Like?
The powdered wiretail is a medium-sized damselfly. It grows to about 40 millimetres long. Its body, called the abdomen, is very long and thin. It stretches out far past its wing tips. This damselfly has bright green eyes. It also has a thin reddish stripe on its upper body. You might see some broken, pale green marks on the sides of its chest area. Its abdomen is black on top. However, its sides are a clear pale green color.
How Does it Behave?
The powdered wiretail has a gentle, fluttery way of flying. It often flies in shady spots. You can usually find it near plants hanging over the edge of a stream. These plants might include black wattle trees. Many male damselflies can be seen resting high up above the water. They often gather in groups.
Where Does it Live?
The powdered wiretail, Rhadinosticta simplex, has been found across Australia. Its range stretches from near Cooktown in Queensland. It goes all the way down to Melbourne in Victoria.
What is its Home Like?
You can find Rhadinosticta simplex living among thick tea-tree plants. These plants grow beside parts of a river that flow slowly.
When Can You See It Flying?
This damselfly has a flight season that lasts from December to April. In Victoria, you can spot it flying during summer and most of autumn. Further north in Australia, these damselflies can appear earlier in the year.
What Other Insects Look Similar?
The powdered wiretail looks very much like another damselfly called Rhadinosticta banksi. The main differences are clearer markings on its chest area. There are also tiny differences in its body parts.
Gallery
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Female wings
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Male wings
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