Zygoptera (damselflies)

Code QO019999

A monotypic family and superfamily (Hemiphlebioidea) for the endemic species Hemiphlebia mirabilis . The adult is very small (17-20 mm long), metallic green or bronze, with two conspicuous white caudal appendages. The larvae are likewise small, with nodate gills and with a pair of prominent spines on the inner (ie. upper) surface of the labial mentum. Habitat: reedy swamps and billabongs.

This taxon is known from a very small number of sites in Victoria and Tasmania. The author would be grateful for any reports concerning this animal. Please contact Dr John Trueman at the Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 if Hemiphlebia turns up in your Australian samples.

Reference:

Hawking, J.H. (1986) Dragonfly larvae of the River Murray system. Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation Technical Report No. 6., Wodonga.