Pygmy Shutwing
Click to enlarge image
© John Tann
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Cordulephya
- Species
- pygmaea
- Family
- Cordulephyidae
- Super Family
- Libelluloidea
- Suborder
- Epiproctophora
- Order
- Odonata
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 4 cm - 5 cm
Introduction
The Pygmy Shutwing dragonfly's name comes from its small size and habit of resting with its wings closed above its body.
Identification
The Pygmy Shutwing is a small, black and yellow dragonfly with clear wings. The larvae are short and stout with long legs and long 'teeth' or dentations on the grasping organs.
Habitat
The Pygmy Shutwing lives around streams and rivers. The larvae, live in river pools that have plenty of accumulated silt and leaves.
Distribution
The Pygmy Shutwing is found in eastern Australia.
Seasonality
The Pygmy Shutwing is seen in late summer and autumn.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Pygmy Shutwing has three close relatives and all of these close their wings in a similar manner. No other Australian dragonflies do this. Kingfisher Pool, near Waterfall, south of Sydney, is the only place where three of the four known Cordulephya species coexist.
