THE T A S14 A XIA X X AT U R AI /I ST' 
H 
Che Dragonflies of {Tasmania,* 
Bv R. J. TILLY A RI), M.A., F.E.S. 
JTYRAGON FLIES, locally called horse-stingers, (though why is a 
mystery, since they possess no sting and are perfectly harmless) 
are found in all parts of the world, though they are most abundant and 
beautiful in tropical countries, such as New Guinea, Brazil, and India. 
Upwards of 2,500 species are known. England has 43 species, Europe 
160, and Australia about the same number. The early stages are passed 
in fresh water, the female either dropping the eggs into the water during 
flight, or placing them carefully, by means of a sharp ovipositor, inside 
the tissues of water-plants. The larva, or nymph, as it is sometimes 
called, is a most peculiar creature, and varies much in shape and size, 
according to the family to which it belongs. It is distinguished from all 
other insect larvae by having the labium or underlip formed into a huge 
mask covering nearly the whole face. This mask possesses a joint like 
an elbow, and the insect can shoot it out a considerable distance, using 
it like an arm, in order to seize its prey. It feeds on smaller aquatic 
insects, and is particularly fond of mosquito larvae. The larger and 
more voracious kinds will eat tadpoles and small fish, and are often 
cannibalistic. There is no true pupal stage, the wings developing 
gradually from a fold in the thorax. When full-fed, the nymph crawls 
out of the water and undergoes a very rapid transformation, which has 
been briefly but beautifully described by Tennyson in one of his poems. 
It is well worth anybody’s trouble to keep and feed a few nymphs for the 
sake of witnessing this remarkable event. In the course of a few 
minutes the wings grow from shapeless bags of fluid to their full size and 
beauty, and after a few hour’s rest the insect is ready to launch itself 
into the air. 
Practically nothing is known of the Dragonflies of Tasmania. A 
few unnamed specimens in Hobart and Launceston were the only 
evidence I had to go upon on arrival in the island a few weeks back. 
As a result of. collecting in a fair number of localities during a particu¬ 
larly dry (and therefore unfavourable) summer, I have been able to list 
eighteen species, nearly all of which are common on the mainland round 
Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. As far as I know, only one species, 
Synthemis Leachi , is peculiar to Tasmania. It is a medium-sized fly with 
slender brown body marked with yellow spots. It is not common, hut 
might be found hovering over any small permanent marsh or bog. 
Another rare species is Somatochlora Jdcksomensis, with a thicker body, 
and a brilliant metallic green forehead, the general colouring being dark 
bronze and orange. This might be found flying swiftly over large 
lagoons. Two lovely red species with short thick bodies —Diplacodes 
* Mr- Till yard will be glad 10 name any specimens that may be sent to him for 
examination. His address is Grammar School, Sydney. 
