Synthemistidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Synthemistidae |
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| Choristhemis flavoterminata | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Synthemistidae Tillyard, 1911 |
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The Synthemistidae are a group of dragonflies often called tigertails. Sometimes, they are also known as southern emeralds. This family of dragonflies includes seven main groups, called genera, and forty-three different kinds of species.
Tigertail dragonflies look a bit like other dragonflies from the Corduliidae and Gomphidae families. Scientists sometimes even consider them a smaller part of the Corduliidae family. These dragonflies are very old, meaning their family has been around for a long time. You can find some of these species in places like Australia and New Guinea.
Most tigertail dragonflies are small. They have thin bodies, called abdomens. Their young, known as nymphs, live at the bottom of water bodies. These nymphs are very tough! They can survive dry periods by digging deep into the ground. Tigertail dragonflies often like to live in wet, marshy areas or near fast-moving streams.
What Are Tigertail Dragonflies Like?
Tigertail dragonflies are known for their unique features. They are usually small and have slender bodies. This helps them move quickly through the air.
Where Do They Live?
These dragonflies prefer specific types of homes. You can often find them in marshy areas. They also like streams that flow quickly. This shows they need water to live and grow.
Tigertail Dragonfly Babies
The young dragonflies are called nymphs. They live underwater, usually at the bottom of ponds or streams. These nymphs are very good at surviving tough times. If their water source starts to dry up, they can dig deep into the mud. This helps them stay safe until the water returns.
