Wide-faced darner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wide-faced darner |
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| Female Dendroaeschna conspersa Canberra Australia | |
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The wide-faced darner (scientific name: Dendroaeschna conspersa) is a cool type of dragonfly found only in Australia. It's the only species in its group, called Dendroaeschna. These dragonflies are known for their unique look and how they live near water.
Contents
What is a Wide-faced Darner?
The wide-faced darner is a medium-sized dragonfly. It usually has colors like brown or black, with lighter markings that stand out. Like all dragonflies, it has two pairs of strong, clear wings and big eyes that help it see very well.
Where Does it Live?
This special dragonfly lives only in eastern Australia. You can often find it near lowland streams, which are rivers or creeks that flow through flatter areas. They love places where there's plenty of water for them to lay their eggs and for their young to grow.
What Do Dragonflies Eat?
Dragonflies like the wide-faced darner are amazing hunters! They mostly eat other insects, like mosquitoes, flies, and even smaller butterflies. They catch their prey while flying, using their strong legs like a basket. This helps keep insect populations in check, which is good for the environment.
Life Cycle of a Dragonfly
Dragonflies go through a fascinating life cycle that has a few stages:
- Eggs: Female wide-faced darners lay their eggs in or near water, often on plants.
- Nymphs: When the eggs hatch, tiny creatures called nymphs come out. These nymphs live underwater for months, or even years! They are also predators, eating small aquatic insects and even tiny fish.
- Adults: When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water, usually onto a plant stem. Its skin splits open, and the adult dragonfly emerges. It then flies away, ready to find a mate and start the cycle all over again.
Images for kids
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Female face on
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Female from above
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Dendroaeschna conspersa female wings (35019461626).jpg
Female Dendroaeschna conspersa wings
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Male Dendroaeschna conspersa wings
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