Zebra vicetail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zebra vicetail |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| newly emerged, Cairns, Australia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
 |
The zebra vicetail (scientific name: Hemigomphus comitatus) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the Gomphidae family, which are often called "clubtail" dragonflies. This special insect lives only in northern Queensland, Australia. You can usually find it near streams and rivers.
Contents
What Does the Zebra Vicetail Look Like?
The zebra vicetail is a small dragonfly with cool black and yellow patterns. Its wings can spread out about 50-55 millimeters (2 inches). From head to tail, it measures about 40-45 millimeters (1.5 to 1.7 inches) long.
Eyes and Head Features
Adult zebra vicetails have bright green eyes. Unlike some other dragonflies, their eyes do not touch at the top of their head. Female zebra vicetails have a small spine on the back of their head, right behind their eyes. This spine comes from a part of the skull called the occiput.
Body Markings
The main part of its body, called the synthorax, has strong black and yellow stripes. One of these stripes, called the humeral stripe, usually runs all the way along the body. There is also a black mark along a seam (suture) on the synthorax. This mark is usually broken into two parts.
Tail and Wings
The tail part of the dragonfly, called the abdomen, is black with bright yellow bands. Male zebra vicetails have yellow parts at the end of their tail that curve inwards. The edge of the back wing is folded in males near the base. In females, this part of the wing is smoothly curved.
Where Does the Zebra Vicetail Live?
The zebra vicetail, Hemigomphus comitatus, has been seen in many places across northern Queensland, Australia. Its range stretches from near Mackay, Queensland all the way up to the northern parts of the Cape York Peninsula. You will usually find it living along the coast and in nearby mountain areas.
What Kind of Places Does It Like?
This dragonfly likes to live near streams and rivers. It does not always need to be in a rainforest. For example, one zebra vicetail was found in the suburban area of Cairns. It was near a creek that only has water during certain times of the year, like after a storm.
Images for kids
-
Male, front quarter
-
Front quarter of a young female Hemigomphus comitatus
-
Close-up of head showing patterns on the synthorax and spine on the head.
-
Female wings
-
Male wings
.jpg)
.jpg)
