Tropical needle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tropical needle
Male at Davies Creek, north Queensland
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Odonata
Suborder:	Zygoptera
Family:	Synlestidae
Genus:	Synlestes
Species:	S. tropicus
Binomial name
Synlestes tropicus Tillyard, 1917
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The Synlestes tropicus, also known as the tropical needle, is a special type of damselfly found only in Australia. It belongs to a group of damselflies called Synlestidae. This amazing insect lives in the warm, wet rainforests of north-eastern Queensland.

What is a Tropical Needle?

The tropical needle is a large damselfly. It has a shiny, metallic green-black body with lighter markings. When it rests, it often holds its wings partly or fully open. This makes it easy to spot in its natural home.

Where Does it Live?

This damselfly is endemic to north-eastern Queensland. This means it is found nowhere else in the world! It loves to live near streams that flow through rainforests. These streams provide the perfect environment for it to grow and find food.

Gallery

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  A male tropical needle at Davies Creek National Park, Queensland.

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  A female tropical needle also found at Davies Creek National Park.

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  A view of a female tropical needle from below.

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  Close-up of a female's wings.

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  Close-up of a male's wings.

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  A young tropical needle, called a nymph.