Western swiftwing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Western swiftwing
Scientific classification

The Western swiftwing (scientific name: Lathrocordulia metallica) is a cool type of dragonfly. It belongs to a family of dragonflies called Austrocorduliidae. This dragonfly is not very big, and it has a shiny bronze to black color. It doesn't have any light-colored spots or patterns on its body.

This special dragonfly is only found in one place: the south-western part of Australia. When an animal or plant is only found in one specific area, we say it is endemic to that place. The Western swiftwing loves to live near streams in this part of Australia.

What is a Western Swiftwing?

The Western swiftwing is a fascinating insect. Like all dragonflies, it has a long body, two pairs of strong wings, and big eyes. These eyes help it see all around, which is great for catching food while flying! Dragonflies are known for being amazing flyers. They can hover, fly backward, and zoom very fast.

Why is it called a "swiftwing"?

The name "swiftwing" probably comes from how quickly and gracefully it flies. Dragonflies are super-fast hunters in the air. They catch smaller insects like mosquitoes and flies right out of the sky. Imagine trying to catch a tiny fly while flying at top speed! That's what a swiftwing does every day.

Where Does the Western Swiftwing Live?

This particular dragonfly calls the south-western part of Australia its home. This area has a special climate and unique plants and animals. The Western swiftwing needs streams to live.

Its Home: Streams in Australia

Streams are like small rivers. They provide the perfect place for dragonflies to grow. Young dragonflies, called nymphs, live underwater. They hide among rocks and plants, waiting for small water creatures to eat. When they are ready, they climb out of the water, shed their skin, and become adult dragonflies with wings.

What Does the Western Swiftwing Look Like?

The Western swiftwing is a medium-sized dragonfly. It's not huge, but it's not tiny either. Its body has a metallic look, shining in shades of bronze to black.

Colors and Markings

Unlike some other dragonflies that have bright colors or interesting patterns, the Western swiftwing is quite plain. It doesn't have any pale markings. This simple, dark color might help it blend in with its surroundings, like the shadows near streams.

Gallery

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  Female wings

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  Male wings

Dragonfly Families: A Scientific Puzzle

Scientists group living things into different families based on how they are related. For the Western swiftwing, it's a bit of a puzzle! Scientists are still working to figure out exactly which dragonfly family it fits into best.

Which Family Does It Belong To?

Right now, it's often placed in the Austrocorduliidae family. But some scientists think it might belong to the Synthemistidae family or even the Corduliidae family. This shows that science is always learning and sometimes things are not perfectly clear! Researchers study their DNA, their body shapes, and how they live to solve these kinds of mysteries.