Petalura ingentissima
Petalura ingentissima
The Giant Petaltail, ''Petalura ingentissima'', has been described as the world's largest dragonfly, with a wingspan of 160 mm. It is found in Queensland, Australia.
Dr R.J. Tillyard described the giant petaltail in 1908. Its species name is derived from the Latin adjective ''ingens'' "huge". It is one of five species in the Australian genus ''Petalura''.
A large heavily built dragonfly, the giant petaltail has a black body with some yellow markings. The female's wingspan can be 158-162 mm and body length 125 mm, the largest dragonfly species in overall dimensions although members of the genus ''Tetracanthagyna'' can have longer wings and ''Chlorogomphus papilio'' a larger wing area.
Measuring 5.-6.3 cm long, the larvae are unusual in that they live in burrows along the river margin and hunt passing prey.
Dr R.J. Tillyard described the giant petaltail in 1908. Its species name is derived from the Latin adjective ''ingens'' "huge". It is one of five species in the Australian genus ''Petalura''.
A large heavily built dragonfly, the giant petaltail has a black body with some yellow markings. The female's wingspan can be 158-162 mm and body length 125 mm, the largest dragonfly species in overall dimensions although members of the genus ''Tetracanthagyna'' can have longer wings and ''Chlorogomphus papilio'' a larger wing area.
Measuring 5.-6.3 cm long, the larvae are unusual in that they live in burrows along the river margin and hunt passing prey.