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Rhyothemis princeps facts for kids

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Rhyothemis princeps
Rhyothemis princeps 3024.jpg
Female
Rhyothemis princeps - Sapphire Flutterer 2.jpg
Male
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Rhyothemis princeps distribution map.svg

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.

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