Western darner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western darner |
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The Austroaeschna anacantha, also known as the western darner, is a type of dragonfly. Dragonflies are amazing insects known for their bright colors and incredible flying skills. This particular darner belongs to the Telephlebiidae family. You can find the western darner in the south-western part of Australia, where it loves to live near rivers and streams.
What is a Western Darner?
The western darner is a medium to large-sized dragonfly. It usually has a dark body with lighter markings that stand out. Imagine a sleek, dark insect with cool patterns! It looks a bit like another dragonfly called the multi-spotted darner (Austroaeschna multipunctata), but that one lives in eastern Australia.
Where Western Darners Live
Western darners are found only in south-western Australia. They prefer places with fresh water, like rivers and streams. These watery homes are perfect for them because dragonflies lay their eggs in water, and their young (called nymphs) live there too.
What Dragonflies Are Like
Dragonflies are fascinating insects with two pairs of strong, transparent wings. They are super fast and agile flyers. They can hover, fly backward, and even turn in mid-air! Their large eyes help them see all around, which is great for hunting.
Dragonflies are predators, meaning they hunt other insects for food. They mostly eat smaller flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. They catch their prey right out of the air!
Gallery
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This picture shows the wings of a female western darner.
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These are the wings of a male western darner.
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