Petaltails

Petaluridae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Petaluridae: //pɛtəˈlʊərɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Tachopteryx thoreyi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Tanypteryx hageni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Phenes raptor by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Tanypteryx hageni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Petalura litorea by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Black Petaltail - Tanypteryx hageni, Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, Quincy, California - 19346116876 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Petaluridae, or petaltails, are large dragonflies recognized for their significant evolutionary history and unique larval habitats. With a small number of species globally, they hold a special role in aquatic ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Large body length ca. 75 mm; grayish-brown or blackish in color; eyes do not meet on the dorsal side of the head; notched median lobe of labium; stigma 8 mm or greater; well-developed ovipositors.

Identification Tips

Look for the large size and distinctive color; the notched labium is a key identification feature.

Habitat

Larvae live primarily in stream banks, mostly in burrows; larvae of Tachopteryx thoreyi reside in depressions under wet leaves.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, but most species occur around the Pacific; both U.S. species are localized and rare.

Diet

Larvae are likely predatory on smaller invertebrates; adults are also predatory, feeding on various flying insects.

Life Cycle

The lifecycle includes egg, larval, and adult stages, with larvae inhabiting specific aquatic environments.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves well-developed ovipositors; the nature of egg-laying generally occurs near water bodies.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae are an important part of the aquatic food web, serving as both predators and prey.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adult specimens from vegetation or over water bodies
  • Searching for larvae in streambanks

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning adult specimens
  • Preserving larvae in alcohol

Evolution

Considered the most primitive among extant dragonflies; fossil members date back to the Jurassic, over 150 million years ago. Modern Petaluridae comprise two clades: Gondwanan and Laurasian, diverging around 160 million years ago.

Similar Taxa

  • Anisoptera
  • Tetracanthagyna
  • Petalura ingentissima
  • Petalura gigantea

Misconceptions

May be thought of as similar to more common dragonfly families; however, they represent a more ancient lineage.

Tags

  • Odonata
  • dragonflies
  • Petaluridae
  • fossil history
  • aquatic larvae