Tetrathemis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tetrathemis |
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| Tetrathemis platyptera male | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Odonata |
| Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
| Family: | Libellulidae |
| Genus: | Tetrathemis Brauer, 1868 |
Tetrathemis is a group of amazing dragonflies! These speedy insects belong to a big family called Libellulidae. You can find different types of Tetrathemis dragonflies flying around in many parts of the world. They live in places like Africa, Madagascar, Asia, New Guinea, and Australia. These dragonflies are known for their beautiful colors and quick movements.
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What Are Tetrathemis Dragonflies?
Tetrathemis dragonflies are part of a large insect group called Odonata. This group includes both dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are famous for their two pairs of strong, clear wings. They also have large eyes that help them see almost all around them. Tetrathemis dragonflies are often found near water, like ponds, rivers, or swamps.
Where Do They Live?
Tetrathemis dragonflies live in many different warm parts of the world. They are found across Africa, including the island of Madagascar. You can also spot them in various countries in Asia. Further east, they live in New Guinea and Australia. Each species might prefer a slightly different type of habitat. However, they all need access to water for their young to grow.
What Do They Eat?
Like all dragonflies, Tetrathemis species are predators. This means they hunt other insects for food. They are excellent hunters in the air. They use their strong wings to fly very fast and catch their prey. Their diet mainly includes smaller flying insects. This can be anything from tiny mosquitoes to flies and even other small insects. Dragonflies help control insect populations.
Life Cycle of a Dragonfly
The life of a Tetrathemis dragonfly, like all dragonflies, has three main stages. This is called a life cycle. It starts as an egg, then becomes a nymph, and finally turns into an adult dragonfly.
Egg Stage
Female Tetrathemis dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water. They might drop them directly into the water. Sometimes, they lay them on plants that are in the water. The eggs are usually very small. After a little while, the eggs hatch into the next stage, which is called a nymph.
Nymph Stage
The nymph stage is when the young dragonfly lives underwater. Dragonfly nymphs look very different from adult dragonflies. They are often camouflaged to blend in with their surroundings. Nymphs are also predators. They eat small water insects and even tiny fish. They breathe using gills, just like fish. As they grow, they shed their skin several times. This shedding is called molting.
Adult Stage
When a nymph is ready to become an adult, it crawls out of the water. It usually climbs onto a plant stem or a rock. Then, its skin splits open, and the adult dragonfly emerges. At first, its wings are soft and crumpled. But they quickly harden and spread out. The adult dragonfly then flies away. Adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks or months. During this time, they mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle all over again.
Types of Tetrathemis Dragonflies
The genus Tetrathemis includes several different species. Each species has its own unique features. Some are known by common names, like the "Treefall Elf" or "Rainforest Elf." Here are some of the species found in this group:
- Tetrathemis camerunensis
- Tetrathemis corduliformis
- Tetrathemis denticauda
- Tetrathemis flavescens
- Tetrathemis fraseri - Treefall Elf
- Tetrathemis godiardi
- Tetrathemis irregularis - Rainforest Elf
- Tetrathemis irregularis cladophila - Rainforest Elf
- Tetrathemis leptoptera
- Tetrathemis longfieldae
- Tetrathemis platyptera
- Tetrathemis polleni - Black-splashed Elf
- Tetrathemis ruwensoriensis
- Tetrathemis victoriae
- Tetrathemis yerburii
