Red baron facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Red baron
Male, Cairns, Australia
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

The red baron (scientific name: Urothemis aliena) is a type of dragonfly. You can find it in northern and eastern Australia, as well as in New Guinea. This dragonfly belongs to a family of insects called Libellulidae.

Red baron dragonflies like to live near water. They are often found around rivers, lagoons, and ponds.

What Does It Look Like?

The red baron is a medium-sized dragonfly. It has a wingspan of about 85 millimeters (about 3.3 inches). Its body is about 45 millimeters (about 1.7 inches) long.

This dragonfly has a bright red body. It also has two dark spots on the eighth and ninth parts of its abdomen (the long part of its body). The back wings have a dark, reddish-brown mark at their base. This mark is shaped like a triangle.

Where Does It Live?

In Australia, the red baron dragonfly lives across the northern part of the country. Its range stretches from Broome, Western Australia all the way to the southern border of Queensland. It also lives in New Guinea.

Gallery

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  A male red baron dragonfly.

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  A male red baron in an "obelisk" pose. Dragonflies do this to control their body temperature.

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  Close-up of a male red baron's wings.

See also

In Spanish: Manfred von Richthofen para niños