Pygmy Shutwing Click to enlarge image
Pygmy Shutmwing, Cordulephya pygmaea Image: John Tann
© John Tann

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Cordulephya
    Species
    pygmaea
    Family
    Cordulephyidae
    Super Family
    Libelluloidea
    Suborder
    Epiproctophora
    Order
    Odonata
    Class
    Insecta
    Subphylum
    Uniramia
    Phylum
    Arthopoda
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    4 cm - 5 cm

Introduction

The Pygmy Shutwing dragonfly's name comes from its small size and habit of resting with its wings closed above its body.

Identification

The Pygmy Shutwing is a small, black and yellow dragonfly with clear wings. The larvae are short and stout with long legs and long 'teeth' or dentations on the grasping organs.

Habitat

The Pygmy Shutwing lives around streams and rivers. The larvae, live in river pools that have plenty of accumulated silt and leaves.

Distribution

The Pygmy Shutwing is found in eastern Australia.


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Seasonality

The Pygmy Shutwing is seen in late summer and autumn.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Pygmy Shutwing has three close relatives and all of these close their wings in a similar manner. No other Australian dragonflies do this. Kingfisher Pool, near Waterfall, south of Sydney, is the only place where three of the four known Cordulephya species coexist.