Alpine Redspot Dragonfly
Scientific name
Austropetalia tonyana
Status in NSW
Vulnerable.
Characteristics
- Yellow stripe that runs across the front of the face.
- Several dark red spots that occur on the leading edge of each wing
- Long pairs of yellow stripes on top of each abdominal segment
Species similar in appearance
Other dragonfly species including Austropetalia patricia and Austropetalia annaliese.
Size
The larvae grow to 32-35mm long and adults grow to 70-80mm long.
Did you know?
The Alpine Redspot Dragonfly has three developmental stages - egg, nymph and adult - with the first two stages being aquatic.
Distribution
The Alpine Redspot Dragonfly is endemic to high-altitude mountain areas of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia that reach above 600 – 1,800 metres above sea level.
Habitat
The species has very specific habitat requirements. Nymphs are only known to occur among rocks, logs and moss in the spray zone of waterfalls. Adults are found within the waterfall splash zone.
Why is the Alpine Redspot Dragonfly threatened?
- Alpine Redspot Dragonfly occupies very species habitat types, and are highly sensitive to habitat disturbance
- Reduced stream flow
- Natural rarity in the wild
- Climate change
- Extreme weather events
- Capture of wild animals by humans for collection and rearing
