OdonataTaxonomy_WfHC_PDF - CSIRO

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Synthemis macrostigma Damselfly larvae Austroargiolestes icteromelas Austrolestes annulosus Rhyothemis graphiptera Indolestes obiri Nososticta coelestina The classification of Odonata is not settled. Watson & O'Farrell (1991) and Watson et al., (1991) list 11 families of damselflies and 6 families of dragonflies, while the ABIF Fauna List shows 12 families of damselflies and 18 families of dragonflies. Despite discrepancies concerning the number of families, authors do agree that there are just over 300 species of Odonata in Australia (302 in Watson & O'Farrell, 1991; 320 in ABIF). General overviews of Australian Odonata, including morphology, biology and keys to the suborders and families are provided by Watson et al. (1991) and Watson & O'Farrell (1991). 2
Life Form Dragonflies and damselflies are among the best known and recognized insects. Adults are generally large and elongate, with two pairs of large, membranous wings which have a dense network of veins. The compound eyes are quite large, and often occupy most of the head. Many species are quite beautiful, with bright metallic markings on the body, or various banded patterns on the wings. Adults are strong flyers, and are among the fastest of all insects. The larvae are aquatic, and have elongate, prehensile mouthparts which they use to capture their prey. Distribution Dragonflies and damselflies are widely distributed and common. Within Australia, they are most diverse in the tropical regions of north-eastern Queensland and Cape York. The aquatic habit of the larvae restricts reproduction to water sources, but lone adults may be found throughout Australia, often many kilometers from the nearest water source. Habitat Dragonflies and damselflies are tied to aquatic habitats. Although the adults are free living and capable of strong flight, the other life stages require a riparian habitat. Dragonfly and damselfly eggs are laid in water. Most commonly, the hovering females dip their abdomens into the water to deposit their eggs, and they can frequently be seen doing this, either singly or still coupled to the male. Larvae spend their entire life submerged in water, where they are predators on other small aquatic organisms. Various species can occupy most freshwater habitats, including waterfalls, torrents, streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, bogs and estuaries. Adult emergence takes place when the larva crawls up out of the water onto a rock or branch, firmly grasps the substrate with its legs, and the adult emerges from the cast larval skin. Adults are strong flyers. Males are often territorial, and can be observed returning to a favourite perch where they observe their territory and are ready to fly out to capture food or guard against other males. Status in Community Both adults and larvae are predaceous, and will be responsible for removing numerous prey items during their life. Adults catch other invertebrates which they eat during flight. Larval prey items are generally other invertebrates, but larger species can take small fish and tadpoles. Cast skins of Hemicordulia tau 3
Page 1: Water for a Healthy Country Taxon A
Page 5 and 6: Conservation Status Hawking (1999)
Page 7 and 8: Megapodagrionidae Hemicordulia inte
Page 9: Ramos-Elorduy, J. (1998) Creepy Cra

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