Introduction

The Synthemistidae was formerly regarded as a distinct family (Fraser 1960) until recently, when Theischinger & Watson (1984) and Watson et al. (1991) regarded it as a subfamily of Corduliidae. However, Carle & Louton (1994) recently elevated it to familial status. The Australian fauna includes eight genera, 25 species and six subspecies. Three of the genera Archaeosynthemis, Austrosynthemis and Parasynthemis were split from Synthemis by Carle (1995) based almost exclusively on adult characters, while a third genus Tonyosynthemis was erected by Theischinger (1998) based on both adult and larval characters. Hawking (1997) lists the conservation status of Synthemiopsis gomphomacromioides Tillyard as rare being largely restricted to the swampy buttongrass plains at all altitudes mainly in the Southwest National Park or Cradle Mountain National Park.

Hawking & Theischinger (1999) give a key to the synthemistid larvae found in New South Wales.

The Australian synthemistids show strong Gondwanan affinities (Theischinger & Watson, 1984).

Diagnosis

Adult: eyes contiguous; anterodorsal surface of occiput triangular; pterostigmata not concave posteriorly, shorter than distance between costal braces; pterostigmal brace obsolete; median space with crossveins; wings with 3 or 10 cubital-anal crossveins; hindwings with weak, non-aligned antenodal crossveins alternating with 3-5 aligned, reinforced, antenodal crossveins; abdomen cylindrical, segments 3-6 typically more than five times as long as wide; male segment 7 without well developed mid-dorsal ridge or lateral carinae; male epiproct typically quadrate or triangular; cerci not strongly expanded distally; female sternum 10 without splash plate; ovipositor reduced (Carle 1995).

Larva: frontal plate developed; prementum ladle-shaped with two distinct groups of setae; labial palps with palpal setae and well developed distal teeth, lacking setae; pronotum laterally ridge-like; wing pads divergent; metasternum with transverse sutures meeting at point or fused at short seam; abdomen spinuliform, lacking mid-dorsal and lateral spines; apex more or less sharply pointed (Hawking & Theischinger 1999).

General References

Carle, F.L. 1995. Evolution, taxonomy, and biogeography of ancient Gondwanian libelluloides, with comments on anisopteroid evolution and phylogenetic systematics (Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Odonatologica 24: 383-424

Carle, F.L. & Louton, J.A. 1994. The larva of Neopetalia punctata and establishment of Austropetaliidae fam. nov. (Odonata). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 96(1): 147-155

Fraser, F.C. 1960. A Handbook of the Dragonflies of Australasia, with keys for the identification of all species. Sydney : Royal Zoological Society of N.S.W. 67 pp., 27 pls.

Hawking, J. & Theischinger, G. 1999. Dragonfly larvae (Odonata). A guide to the identification of larvae of Australian families and to the identification and ecology of larvae from New South Wales. Albury : Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology Vol. 24 iv 218 pp.

Hawking, J.H. 1997. The conservation status of dragonflies (Odonata) from south-eastern Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 56(2): 537-542

Theischinger, G. 1998. Tonyosynthemis, a new dragonfly genus from Australia (Insecta: Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 30(1): 139-142 [Date published 31/Jul/1997]

Theischinger, G. & Watson, J.A.L. 1984. Larvae of Australian Gomphomacromiinae, and their bearing on the status of the Synthemis group of genera (Odonata: Corduliidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 32: 67-95

Watson, J.A.L., Theischinger, G. & Abbey, H.M. 1991. The Australian Dragonflies. A guide to the identification, distributions and habitats of Australian Odonata. Canberra and Melbourne : CSIRO vii 278 pp.

Common Name References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn. (Southern Emeralds)

History of changes

• Archaeosynthemis Carle, F.L. 1995. Evolution, taxonomy, and biogeography of ancient Gondwanian libelluloides, with comments on anisopteroid evolution and phylogenetic systematics (Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Odonatologica 24: 383-424 [392].

  Type species:

   Synthemis leachii Selys, 1871 by original designation.

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Ben Lomond (BEL), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Kanmantoo (KAN), King (KIN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP) ; WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

History of changes

• Synthemis leachii Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1871. Synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 31: 238-316, 519-565 [561].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH ♂, Australia (as Nouvelle-Hollande).

  Secondary source:

   Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305 (re type).
• Synthemis martini Tillyard, R.J. 1908. The dragonflies of south-western Australia. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 32: 719-742 pls xxxiv-xxxvi [11 Mar. 1908] [726].

  Type data:

   Lectotype ANIC 9851 ♂, Bridgetown, WA.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Watson, J.A.L. 1969. Australasian dragonflies described by R.J. Tillyard, with the location of types and the designation of lectotypes. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 8: 153-160.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [313]

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Western Australia: SW coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lake, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, summer-dry swamps.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. 1967. The larva of Synthemis leachi Selys, with a key to the larvae of Western Australian Synthemidae (Odonata). Western Australian Naturalist 10: 86-91

Watson, J.A.L. 1981. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). pp. 1139-1167 in Keast, A. (ed.). Ecological Biogeography of Australia. The Hague : Junk Vol. 2. (zoogeography)

History of changes

• Synthemis macrostigma occidentalis Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [355] [the provenance of the type specimens of S. macrostigma Selys, 1871 (Oceania and Fiji) remains unsubstantiated and the status of the two Australian subspecies is, therefore, uncertain].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Bridgetown, WA.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Western Australia: SW coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. 1962. The Dragonflies (Odonata) of South-Western Australia. A guide to the identification, ecology, distribution and affinities of larvae and adults. Handbook No. 7. Perth : Western Australian Naturalists' Club 72 pp. (larva, biology)

Watson, J.A.L. 1967. The larva of Synthemis leachi Selys, with a key to the larvae of Western Australian Synthemidae (Odonata). Western Australian Naturalist 10: 86-91 (comparison with Synthemis leachii Selys, 1871)

Watson, J.A.L. 1981. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). pp. 1139-1167 in Keast, A. (ed.). Ecological Biogeography of Australia. The Hague : Junk Vol. 2. (zoogeography)

History of changes

• Synthemis macrostigma orientalis Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [355].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Blue Mountains, NSW.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Ben Lomond (BEL), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Kanmantoo (KAN), King (KIN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal
  • South Australia: Murray-Darling basin, S Gulfs, SE coastal
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lentic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Boggy seepages, swamps, larva in mud and detritus.

General References

Allbrook, P. 1979. Tasmanian Odonata. Fauna of Tasmania Handbook No. 1. Hobart : University of Tasmania 84 pp. (larva, biology)

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix (larval description, biology)

History of changes

• Synthemis spiniger Tillyard, R.J. 1913. On some Australian Anisoptera, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37(1912): 572-584 pl. lxii [22 July 1913] [572].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH ♂, Waroona, WA.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Western Australia: SW coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. 1962. The Dragonflies (Odonata) of South-Western Australia. A guide to the identification, ecology, distribution and affinities of larvae and adults. Handbook No. 7. Perth : Western Australian Naturalists' Club 72 pp. (larva, biology)

Watson, J.A.L. 1981. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). pp. 1139-1167 in Keast, A. (ed.). Ecological Biogeography of Australia. The Hague : Junk Vol. 2. (zoogeography)

History of changes

• Austrosynthemis Carle, F.L. 1995. Evolution, taxonomy, and biogeography of ancient Gondwanian libelluloides, with comments on anisopteroid evolution and phylogenetic systematics (Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Odonatologica 24: 383-424 [393].

  Type species:

   Synthemis cyanitincta Tillyard, 1908 by original designation.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

IBRA

WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

History of changes

• Synthemis cyanitincta Tillyard, R.J. 1908. The dragonflies of south-western Australia. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 32: 719-742 pls xxxiv-xxxvi [11 Mar. 1908] [724].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Margaret River district, WA.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Esperance Plains (ESP), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Mallee (MAL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Western Australia: SW coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. 1962. The Dragonflies (Odonata) of South-Western Australia. A guide to the identification, ecology, distribution and affinities of larvae and adults. Handbook No. 7. Perth : Western Australian Naturalists' Club 72 pp. (larva, biology)

History of changes

• Choristhemis Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [368].

  Type species:

   Synthemis flavoterminata Martin, 1901 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal
  • Queensland: NE coastal

History of changes

• Synthemis flavoterminata Martin, R. 1901. Les odonates du continent australien. Mémoires de la Société Zoologique de France 19: 220-248 [229].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) whereabouts unknown ♂ ♀, NSW.
• Eusynthemis paradoxa Förster, F. 1908. Zur Gattung Synthemis de Selys sens. ampl. Wiener Entomologische Zeitung 27: 25-29 [28].

  Type data:

   Holotype whereabouts unknown ♀, Kuranda, QLD.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Moulds, M.S. 1985. A new species of Choristhemis Tillyard (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 24: 113-116 [115]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, larva amongst gravel/mud or gravel/mud/detritus.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix (larval description, life history)

History of changes

• Synthemis olivei Tillyard, R.J. 1909. On some remarkable Australian Corduliinae, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 33(1908): 737-751 pls xxi-xxii [11 Mar. 1909] [747].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Cooktown, QLD.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: lotic freshwater, predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix

History of changes

• Eusynthemis Förster, F. 1903. Odonaten aus Neu-Guinea. Annales Historico-Naturales Musei Nationalis Hungarici (Zoologica) 1: 509-554 [545] [first introduced as a subgenus of Synthemis Selys, 1871].

  Type species:

   Synthemis brevistyla Selys, 1871 by original designation.
• Metathemis Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [361].

  Type species:

   Synthemis guttata Selys, 1871 by original designation.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Lieftinck, M.A. 1949. Synopsis of the odonate fauna of the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. Treubia 20: 319-374 [360]

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP), Wet Tropics (WT) ; NSW, Qld: Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD) ; NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Channel Country (CHC), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD) ; NSW, SA, Vic: Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Gawler (GAW)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal
  • South Australia: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Distribution References

History of changes

• Metathemis guttata aurolineata Tillyard, R.J. 1913. On some Australian Anisoptera, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37(1912): 572-584 pl. lxii [22 July 1913] [575].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Dorrigo, NSW.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.
• Metathemis guttata melanosoma Tillyard, R.J. 1913. Some descriptions of new forms of Australian Odonata. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 38: 229-241 pl. xv [231].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Tamborine Mtn (as Mount Tambourine), QLD.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Theischinger, G. 1995. The Eusynthemis guttata (Selys) group of species from Australia (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 27(1): 297-310 [Date published 16/Aug/1995] [303]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), Sydney Basin (SB), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, montane swamps, larva in mud and detritus.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. & Theischinger, G. 1984. Regions of taxonomic disjunction in Australian Odonata and other freshwater insects. Odonatologica 13: 147-157 (distribution)

History of changes

• Choristhemis barbarae Moulds, M.S. 1985. A new species of Choristhemis Tillyard (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 24: 113-116 [113].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM ♂, Mt Lewis, SW of Mossman, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Synthemis brevistyla Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1871. Synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 31: 238-316, 519-565 [564].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) RIB ♂ ♀, Port Denison (as Dennison), QLD; type locality almost certainly erroneous.

  Secondary source:

   Martin, R. 1907. Cordulines. In, Collections Zoologiques du Baron Edm. de Selys Longchamps. Brussels : Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique. 1-94 pp. [17 Jan. 1907] (re types).

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Taxonomic Decision for Subspecies Arrangement

• Tillyard, R.J. 1913. On some Australian Anisoptera, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37(1912): 572-584 pl. lxii [22 July 1913] [574]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Channel Country (CHC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • South Australia: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

General References

Hawking, J.H. 1986. Dragonfly Larvae of the River Murray System. A preliminary guide to the identification of known final instar odonate larvae of south-eastern Australia. Technical Report No. 6. Wodonga : Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation iii 64 pp.

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Watson, J.A.L. & Theischinger, G. 1984. Regions of taxonomic disjunction in Australian Odonata and other freshwater insects. Odonatologica 13: 147-157

History of changes

• Synthemis brevistyla Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1871. Synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 31: 238-316, 519-565.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Hawking, J.H. 1986. Dragonfly Larvae of the River Murray System. A preliminary guide to the identification of known final instar odonate larvae of south-eastern Australia. Technical Report No. 6. Wodonga : Albury-Wodonga Development Corporation iii 64 pp.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Channel Country (CHC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Riverine, stream.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Metathemis brevistyla subjuncta Tillyard, R.J. 1913. On some Australian Anisoptera, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 37(1912): 572-584 pl. lxii [22 July 1913] [574].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Dorrigo, NSW.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Generic Combinations

• Eusynthemis brevistyla subjuncta (Tillyard, 1913). —
  Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: NSW North Coast (NNC), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: lotic freshwater, predator, volant.

Riverine, stream.

General References

Watson, J.A.L. & Theischinger, G. 1984. Regions of taxonomic disjunction in Australian Odonata and other freshwater insects. Odonatologica 13: 147-157

History of changes

• Eusynthemis cooloola Theischinger, G. 2018. A new species of Eusynthemis Forster, 1903 from the Cooloola sand-mass in south-eastern Queensland, Australia (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Odonatologica 47(3/4): 289-297.

  Type data:

   Holotype ♂, Searys Creek, QLD [25.975 S, 153.073 E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis deniseae Theischinger, G. 1977. A new species of Eusynthemis Foerster from Australia (Anisoptera: Synthemistidae). Odonatologica 6: 105-110 [105].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC 9869 ♂, tributary creek of Carnarvon Gorge, about 60 miles NW of Injune, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mulga Lands (ML), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Theischinger, G. & Watson, J.A.L. 1979. Odonata from Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland. Australian Entomological Magazine 6: 25-28 (distribution, biology)

History of changes

• Synthemis guttata Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1871. Synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 31: 238-316, 519-565 [563].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) RIB ♂♀, Australia (as Nouvelle Hollande).

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Flinders (FLI), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: alpine, lotic freshwater, montane, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva in accumulated mud amonghst detritus associated with macrophytes.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis netta Theischinger, G. 1999. New and little-known Synthemistidae from Australia (Insecta: Odonata). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 31(1): 373-379 [374].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♂, streams on Mount Lewis, NW [of] Julatten, 3000 ft, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

Taxonomic Decision for Subspecies Arrangement

• Tillyard, R.J. 1913. Some descriptions of new forms of Australian Odonata. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 38: 229-241 pl. xv [230]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Channel Country (CHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Mitchell Grass Downs (MGD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields (SSD), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal
  • Queensland: NE coastal

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Synthemis nigra Tillyard, R.J. 1906. New Australian species of the family Libellulidae. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 31: 480-492 pl. xliv [489].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Kuranda, QLD.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.
• Synthemis guttata punctata Tillyard, R.J. 1906. New Australian species of the family Libellulidae. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 31: 480-492 pl. xliv [489] [punctata is a nom. nud. derived from correspondence from Martin to Tillyard, Watson, J.A.L. in Houston, W.W.K. & Watson, J.A.L. 1988. Odonata. pp. 33–132 in Walton, D.W. & Houston, W.W.K. (eds). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 6. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service xi 316 pp.].

  Secondary source:

   Watson, J.A.L. in Houston, W.W.K. & Watson, J.A.L. 1988. Odonata. pp. 33-132 in Walton, D.W. & Houston, W.W.K. (eds). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 6. Ephemeroptera, Megaloptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service 316 pp.
• Eusynthemis ptilorhina Förster, F. 1908. Zur Gattung Synthemis de Selys sens. ampl. Wiener Entomologische Zeitung 27: 25-29 [26].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) 4♂ 4♀, Barron River, Cairns (as Baronfluss bei Cairns), QLD.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Lieftinck, M.A. 1951. Results of the Archbold Expeditions. No. 64. Odonata of the 1948 Archbold Cape York Expedition, with a list of the dragonflies from the peninsula. American Museum Novitates 1488: 1-46 [43]
• Watson, J.A.L. in Houston, W.W.K. & Watson, J.A.L. 1988. Odonata. pp. 33-132 in Walton, D.W. & Houston, W.W.K. (eds). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 6. Ephemeroptera, Megaloptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service 316 pp. [108]

Distribution

States

Queensland

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), NSW North Coast (NNC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Metathemis nigra xanthosticta Tillyard, R.J. 1913. Some descriptions of new forms of Australian Odonata. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 38: 229-241 pl. xv [230].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Tamborine Mtn (as Mount Tambourine), QLD.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), NSW North Coast (NNC), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva amongst gravel in areas of accumulated fine sediment and detritus.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis rentziana Theischinger, G. 1998. The Eusynthemis guttata (Selys) group of species from Australia (Odonata, Synthemistidae) - Part 2. Linzer Biologische Beiträge 30(1): 147-153 [Date published 31/Jul/1998] [148].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♂, Chichester State Forest, 300-900 m, NSW.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, larva amongst sand and gravel in clean, very shallow water running under boulders.

General References

Theischinger, G. 1998. The Eusynthemis guttata (Selys) group of species from Australia (Odonata, Synthemistidae) - Part 2. Linzer Biologische Beiträge 30(1): 147-153 [Date published 31/Jul/1998] [150] (larval description)

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis tenera Theischinger, G. 1995. The Eusynthemis guttata (Selys) group of species from Australia (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 27(1): 297-310 [Date published 16/Aug/1995] [305].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♀, Myee Creek, 2100 ft, Palmerston National Park, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Known only from type locality.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis tillyardi Theischinger, G. 1995. The Eusynthemis guttata (Selys) group of species from Australia (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 27(1): 297-310 [Date published 16/Aug/1995] [299].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♂, Berowra Heights, NSW.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Flinders (FLI), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, montane, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva in sheltered positions where detritus has accumulated over gravel beds often associated with macrophytes.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix (life history, larval description)

History of changes

• Eusynthemis ursa Theischinger, G. 1999. New and little-known Synthemistidae from Australia (Insecta: Odonata). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 31(1): 373-379 [375].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♂, Dilgry River, Barrington Tops, NSW.

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Eusynthemis ursula Theischinger, G. 1998. A new species of Eusynthemis Förster from Australia (Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 30(1): 143-146 [Date published 31/Jul/1998] [143].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC ♂, springs of Telegherry River, Chichester State Forest, 900 m, NSW.

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Narrow gully in dense Nothofagus forest, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Synthemis virgula Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1874. Additions au synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 37: 16-34 [33] [it is not clear how the type locality given by Kimmins can be reconciled with localities, Melbourne and Australia, given in the original description].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, SA (as S. Austral[ia]).

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Flinders (FLI), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lotic freshwater, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, larva amongst gravel with deposits of fine sediment and mud with detritus.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Parasynthemis Carle, F.L. 1995. Evolution, taxonomy, and biogeography of ancient Gondwanian libelluloides, with comments on anisopteroid evolution and phylogenetic systematics (Anisoptera: Libelluloidea). Odonatologica 24: 383-424 [393].

  Type species:

   Synthemis regina Selys, 1874 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Victoria

IBRA

NSW, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Flinders (FLI), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

History of changes

• Synthemis regina Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1874. Additions au synopsis des Cordulines. Bulletin de la Classe des Science, Academie Royale de Belgique 2 37: 16-34 [31].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, NSW.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Flinders (FLI), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, also sluggish streams that dry to pools, stagnant riverine pools.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix (larval description, biology)

History of changes

• Synthemiopsis Tillyard, R.J. 1917. On some new dragonflies from Australia and Tasmania (Order Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 42: 450-479 pl. xxiii [463].

  Type species:

   Synthemiopsis gomphomacromioides Tillyard, 1917 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Tasmania

IBRA

Tas: Ben Lomond (BEL), Flinders (FLI), King (KIN), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Tasmania

General References

Hawking, J.H. 1997. The conservation status of dragonflies (Odonata) from south-eastern Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 56(2): 537-542 [540] (conservation status)

History of changes

• Synthemiopsis gomphomacromioides Tillyard, R.J. 1917. On some new dragonflies from Australia and Tasmania (Order Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 42: 450-479 pl. xxiii [464].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, Cradle Mtn, NW TAS.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Tas: Ben Lomond (BEL), Flinders (FLI), King (KIN), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Tasmania

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Swampy buttongrass plains, larva unknown.

General References

Allbrook, P. 1979. Tasmanian Odonata. Fauna of Tasmania Handbook No. 1. Hobart : University of Tasmania 84 pp. (key to adult, distribution, biology)

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Synthemis Selys-Longchamps, E. de 1870. Sous-famille des Cordulines, Sélys (1). pp. iv–vii in, Comptes-rendus des séances de la société entomologique de Belgique: Assemblée mensuelle du 5 novembre 1870. Annales de la Société Entomologique de Belgique (Comptes-rendus) 14: iii-vii [vi].

  Type species:

   Epophthalmia eustalacta Burmeister, 1839 by original designation.

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Moluccas, New Guinea, New Caledonia and Fiji.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic, WA: Australian Alps (AA), Avon Wheatbelt (AW), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Ben Lomond (BEL), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Esperance Plains (ESP), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Gulf Plains (GUP), Jarrah Forest (JF), Kanmantoo (KAN), King (KIN), Mallee (MAL), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP), Warren (WAR), Wet Tropics (WT), Yalgoo (YAL)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, N Gulf, NE coastal
  • South Australia: Murray-Darling basin, S Gulfs, SE coastal
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Western Australia: SW coastal
• Fiji
• New Caledonia
• Papua New Guinea

Oriental Region

• Indonesia

Distribution References

History of changes

• Epophthalmia eustalacta Burmeister, H. 1839. Handbuch der Entomologie. Berlin : T.C.F. Enslin Vol. 2 805-862 pp. [845].

  Type data:

   Holotype MCZ ♂, Australia (as Neu-Holland).

  Secondary source:

   Calvert, P.P. 1898. Burmeister's types of Odonata. Transactions of the American Entomological Society 25: 27-104 pl. i (re type).

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Eyre Yorke Block (EYB), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Gawler (GAW), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal
  • Queensland: Murray-Darling basin, NE coastal
  • South Australia: Murray-Darling basin, S Gulfs, SE coastal
  • Victoria: Murray-Darling basin, SE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Boggy seepages.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix (larval description, life history)

Tillyard, R.J. 1910. On some experiments with dragonfly larvae. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 666-676 (desiccation resistance of larva)

History of changes

• Synthemis tasmanica Tillyard, R.J. 1910. Monograph of the genus Synthemis. (Neuroptera: Odonata). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 35: 312-377 pls iv-ix [344] [often regarded as a subspecies of Synthemis eustalacta (Burmeister, 1839), e.g. see Fraser, F.C. 1960. A Handbook of the Dragonflies of Australasia, with keys for the identification of all species. Sydney : Royal Zoological Society of N.S.W. 67 pp. 27 pls].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH ♂, St Patrick's River, TAS.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Kimmins, D.E. 1969. A list of the type-specimens of Libellulidae and Corduliidae (Odonata) in the British Museum (Natural History). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Entomol. 22: 277-305.

  Secondary source:

   Fraser, F.C. 1960. A Handbook of the Dragonflies of Australasia, with keys for the identification of all species. Sydney : Royal Zoological Society of N.S.W. 67 pp., 27 pls.

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Tas: Ben Lomond (BEL), Flinders (FLI), King (KIN), Tasmanian Central Highlands (TCH), Tasmanian Northern Midlands (TNM), Tasmanian Northern Slopes (TNS), Tasmanian South East (TSE), Tasmanian Southern Ranges (TSR), Tasmanian West (TWE)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Tasmania

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: predator, volant.

Larvae: lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Boggy seepages.

General References

Allbrook, P. 1979. Tasmanian Odonata. Fauna of Tasmania Handbook No. 1. Hobart : University of Tasmania 84 pp. (larva, biology)

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

Tillyard, R.J. 1914. Study of the Odonata of Tasmania in relation to the Bassian Isthmus. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 38(1913): 765-778 [23 Mar. 1914] (zoogeography)

History of changes

• Tonyosynthemis Theischinger, G. 1998. Tonyosynthemis, a new dragonfly genus from Australia (Insecta: Odonata: Synthemistidae). Linzer Biologische Beiträge 30(1): 139-142 [Date published 31/Jul/1997] [139].

  Type species:

   Synthemis claviculata Tillyard, 1909 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ) ; Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

History of changes

• Synthemis claviculata Tillyard, R.J. 1909. On some remarkable Australian Corduliinae, with descriptions of new species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 33(1908): 737-751 pls xxi-xxii [11 Mar. 1909] [749].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH ♂, Kuranda, QLD.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: N Gulf, NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: lotic freshwater, predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, riverine, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes

• Synthemis ofarrelli Theischinger, G. & Watson, J.A.L. 1986. Synthemis ofarrelli spec. nov., a new corduliid dragonfly from Australia. Odonatologica 15: 457-464 [458].

  Type data:

   Holotype ANIC 9900 ♂, Booloumba Creek, near Kenilworth, 26º36´S 152º44´E, QLD.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Original AFD Distribution Data

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Queensland: NE coastal

Ecological Descriptors

Adult: lotic freshwater, predator, volant.

Extra Ecological Information

Stream, larva unknown.

General References

Theischinger, G., Hawking, J. & Orr, A. 2021. The Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of Australia. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing 2nd edn.

History of changes