Amelia's Threadtail
Neoneura amelia
This record describes Neoneura amelia (species). Recorded family: Protoneuridae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Male has solid brilliant orange over head, thorax, and anterior segments of abdomen; rest of abdomen dark. Females are very difficult to separate from those of other Neoneura species.
Wikipedia reference for Neoneura amelia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoneura_amelia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Protoneuridae (Threadtails)
- Genus
- Neoneura (Robust Threadtails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Slow-moving rivers and streams with abundant emergent or floating vegetation; males generally seen patrolling over open water in the shade, just above the surface
Geographic Range
Scattered records in southern Texas. Ranges south through Mexico to Panama. Odonata Central map
Seasonal Activity
Late spring through early fall
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Usually oviposits in tandem into driftwood or other floating vegetation
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Neoneura amelia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Amelia's Threadtail (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Amelia's Threadtail
What is Amelia's Threadtail?
Amelia's Threadtail (Neoneura amelia) is a species in the family Protoneuridae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Amelia's Threadtail?
Male has solid brilliant orange over head, thorax, and anterior segments of abdomen; rest of abdomen dark. Females are very difficult to separate from those of other Neoneura species.
Where is Amelia's Threadtail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers and streams with abundant emergent or floating vegetation; males generally seen patrolling over open water in the shade, just above the surface |
| Range | Scattered records in southern Texas. Ranges south through Mexico to Panama. Odonata Central map |
When is Amelia's Threadtail active?
Amelia's Threadtail: seasonal activity - Late spring through early fall.
What is the life cycle of a Amelia's Threadtail?
Usually oviposits in tandem into driftwood or other floating vegetation