Garnet Glider
Tauriphila australis
This record describes Tauriphila australis (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Dark hindwing markings small; abdomen is red in male, duller in female, with dark central stripe near tip
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Tauriphila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
South Florida, Central and South America
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Tauriphila australis. 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 Garnet Glider (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Garnet Glider
What is Garnet Glider?
Garnet Glider (Tauriphila australis) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Garnet Glider?
Dark hindwing markings small; abdomen is red in male, duller in female, with dark central stripe near tip
Where is Garnet Glider found?
Range: South Florida, Central and South America