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Western ringtail facts for kids

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Western ringtail
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Austrolestes aleison distribution map.svg

The Austrolestes aleison is a cool type of damselfly found only in Australia. People often call it the western ringtail. It's a special insect because it lives only in the south-western part of Australia. You can find it near pools, ponds, and lakes.

This damselfly is a medium to large size. The male Austrolestes aleison has a striking blue and black body.

Where Did Its Name Come From?

The name aleison comes from an old Greek word, ἄλεισον. This word means "goblet," which is a type of fancy cup. In 1979, two scientists, Tony Watson and Max Moulds, named this damselfly. They chose the name because of a special mark on the male's body. This mark, found on the second part of its tail, looks just like a goblet!

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