Choristhemis flavoterminata

Choristhemis flavoterminata or Eusynthemis paradoxa, more commonly known as the Yellow-tipped Tigertail, is a species of Odonata (more commonly known as dragonflies), from the family Synthemistidae, and the genus Choristhemis originating from Queensland, Australia.^[1][2] Yellow-tipped Tigertails prefer a warm, wet climate and often reside near rivers where they will also lay their larvae.^[3] Specimens of this type of dragonfly are noted in the A.N. Burns Collection in the Museum Victoria.^[4]

Early life

At birth the Yellow-tipped Tigertail's larvae are approximately 17.5mm long, and measuring 4.1mm from each side of the head. Their abdomen consists of a small quantity of hair, measures 12.1mm, and is relatively thin. They are born as light a gray or brown color, later maturing into a deeper shade of that specific color.^[5] Larvae burrow into the mud for protection,^[5] however, they are endangered by underwater predators that are capable of digging through the mud burrows from the main body of water, and eating the larvae. Once born and matured, Yellow-tipped Tigertails will become a predator, feeding off of smaller bugs.^[5]

Body

The average Yellow-tipped tigertail has a body length of approximately 47mm. Its body is long, ending with a bright yellow spot, and its abdomen is thin. Its wings have a slight brown tint and a dark brown rectangular spot.^[6] Yellow-tipped tigertails are believed to fake death when frightened by folding their legs across their bodies until they no longer feel threatened, at which point they fly away. They do so most commonly when they are lying on their dorsal or ventral surfaces.^[7]

References

1. ^ "2. Scientific Names- Choristhemis flavoterminata (Martin)". Australia: Australian Government. http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/name_s/b_1003.htm. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
2. ^ "Global Biodiversity Information Facility- Choristhemis flavoterminata". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. http://www.gbif.net/species/14186021. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
3. ^ "Australian Faunal Directory- Choristhemis flavoterminata" (in English, French). Australia: Australian Faunal Directory. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/fauna/afd/taxa/Choristhemis_flavoterminata. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
4. ^ "Museum Victoria Collection Odonata". Australia: Museum Victoria. http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/object.php?irn=1126560&QueryPage=%2Fresults.php. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
5. ^ ^{a b c} Tillyard. "The larva of Choristhemis (TILLYARD)". Austria: Biologiezentrum Linz. http://www.biologiezentrum.at/pdf_frei_remote/LBB_0035_1_0657-0660.pdf. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
6. ^ "Brisbane Insects- Choristhemis flavoterminata". Australia: Brisbane Insects. http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_dragons/SlenderTigerlet.htm. Retrieved 11 December 2009. 
7. ^ "Death feigning in dragonflies?". Australia and Tacoma, WA. http://mailweb.ups.edu/pipermail/odonata-l/1999-February/000307.html. Retrieved 15 December 2009.