Rhyothemis princeps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhyothemis princeps |
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The Rhyothemis princeps, also known as the sapphire flutterer, is a beautiful type of dragonfly. It belongs to a family of dragonflies called Libellulidae.
Dragonflies in the Rhyothemis group are known for their special way of flying. They don't just fly straight; they flutter their wings a lot, which is why many of them are called "flutterers"!
About the Sapphire Flutterer
This amazing dragonfly lives only in Australia and New Guinea. It's a medium-sized dragonfly, about 70mm (almost 3 inches) wide with its wings spread, and 40mm (about 1.5 inches) long.
What They Look Like
The sapphire flutterer has a dark blue or black body, which is called an abdomen. Its wings are mostly dark, but they have two or three lighter patches near the ends.
Boy dragonflies (males) have dark patches that go all the way to their wingtips. Girl dragonflies (females) have clear wingtips. When the sun shines on them, their dark colors can look a bit shiny and purplish!
Where They Live
You can find sapphire flutterers near freshwater places like lakes, ponds, and swamps. In Australia, you'll mostly find them in north-eastern Queensland, from Cape York Peninsula down to Rockhampton.