Swamp flat-tail Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Swamp flat-tail

Male
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The swamp flat-tail (scientific name: Austrothemis nigrescens) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Libellulidae family, which includes many common dragonflies.

This small dragonfly is special because it is only found in southern Australia. It likes to live near lakes and swamps. Male swamp flat-tails have a flat body with black and red colors. Female swamp flat-tails have black and yellow markings instead. Austrothemis nigrescens is the only species in its group, called the genus Austrothemis.

What is a Dragonfly?
- Dragonfly Life Cycle
  - Nymph Stage
  - Adult Stage
Where Swamp Flat-tails Live
- Habitat of the Swamp Flat-tail
Appearance of the Swamp Flat-tail
- Male Swamp Flat-tail
- Female Swamp Flat-tail
Images for kids
See also

What is a Dragonfly?

Dragonflies are amazing insects known for their bright colors and fast flying. They have two pairs of strong, transparent wings. Their large eyes help them see almost all around them. Dragonflies are often found near water, like ponds, lakes, and rivers.

Dragonfly Life Cycle

Dragonflies have an interesting life cycle with three main stages. It starts when a female dragonfly lays eggs in or near water.

Nymph Stage

When the eggs hatch, tiny creatures called nymphs come out. These nymphs live underwater. They are fierce hunters, eating small water insects and even tiny fish. Nymphs can live underwater for several months or even years. They grow by shedding their skin many times.

Adult Stage

When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water onto a plant stem or rock. Its skin then splits open, and the adult dragonfly emerges. The adult dragonfly has wings and can fly. It will spend its time hunting other insects in the air. Adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks or months.

Where Swamp Flat-tails Live

The swamp flat-tail is found only in southern Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It needs specific places to live and grow.

Habitat of the Swamp Flat-tail

Swamp flat-tails prefer to live in areas with still or slow-moving water. This includes:

Lakes
Swamps
Ponds

These watery places are important for the dragonflies to lay their eggs. They also provide a home for the nymphs to grow safely underwater.

Appearance of the Swamp Flat-tail

The swamp flat-tail is a small dragonfly. You can tell the males and females apart by their colors and body shapes.

Male Swamp Flat-tail

Male swamp flat-tails have a body that looks a bit flattened. Their bodies are marked with black and red colors. These colors help them stand out.

Female Swamp Flat-tail

Female swamp flat-tails have different colors. Their bodies are marked with black and yellow. This difference in color is common in many insect species.