Major Group: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Corduliidae
Genus: Pentathemis
Species: membranulata
This family is represented in Australia by two genera with recorded adult specimens, Metaphya Laidlaw and Pentathemis Karsch, however only Pentathemis larvae are known. Pentathemis contains a single species, Pentathemis membranulata Karsch. |
Descriptive Features: broad bodied
labium spoon-shaped, palps broad, covering face,
distal margins of labium variably crenulate or dentate, crenations and teeth with or without setae
prementum and palps with major setae, median lobe entire
basal segments of antennae sparsely haired
middorsal hooks present or absent
lateral spine on abdominal segment 9 not longer than middorsal length of that segment
Total length: approx. 18mm |
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Pentathemis membranulata |
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Taxonomic Checklist:
Pentathemis membranulata Karsch |
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Distribution: Qld, NT, WA
Sensitivity Rating: SIGNAL grade 5
Functional Feeding Group: predators |
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Black Jungle Springs, Kakadu NP NT |
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Ecology: Adults are commonly known as 'emeralds'.
Instream habitat: Pentathemis larvae occur in lentic and lotic waters such as streams, rivers, riverine lagoons and possibly ponds.
Feeding ecology: Larvae are predators.
Habit:
Life history: |
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Information Sources: Houston 1988, Theischinger 2007, Theischinger & Hawking 2006 |
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