This is probably the oldest living dragonfly family. Fossil records of petaltails go back to the Jurassic period 150 million years ago.
This family includes the largest species of dragonfly, the giant Petaltail (Petalura ingentissima). The giant petaltail is found in Australia and has a wingspan of six inches.
There are two species in this family found in the United States, the gray petaltail (Tachopteryx thoreyi) and the black petaltail (Tanypteryx hageni). The gray petaltail is found in the eastern United States and the black petaltail is found in the western United States.
World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct Not Enough Data
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist.
U.S. Status Key
Threatened in US Endangered in US Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife. Click on U.S. status icon to go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife species profile. |
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New Hampshire Status Key
Threatened in NH Endangered in NH Breeds in NH
Status taken from NH Fish and Game |
Location Key
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Click for More Info Click for Image
New Hampshire Species |
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North American Species |
None
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Black Petaltail - Tanypteryx hageni
Gray Petaltail - Tachopteryx thoreyi |
Selected Species Around the World |
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
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Giant Petaltail - Petalura ingentissima
Coastal Petaltail - Petalura litorea
Beautiful Petaltail - Petalura pulcherrima
Chilean Petaltail - Phenes raptor
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Tanypteryx pryeri
Bush Giant Dragonfly - Uropetala carovei
Mountain Giant Dragonfly - Uropetala chiltoni |
Additional Information
Key: Profile Photos Video Audio NH Species
Black Petaltail - Tanypteryx hageni
The black petaltail is found from southern British Columbia to central California
Source: Odonata Central - Texas Natural Science Center Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School
Coastal Petaltail - Petalura litorea
The coastal petaltail is found from southeastern Queensland to northeastern New South Wales in Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section:Yes
Gray Petaltail - Tachopteryx thoreyi
The gray petaltail is found from New York to northern Florida and west to Texas.
Source: BugGuide Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School
Gray Petaltail - Tachopteryx thoreyi
The gray petaltail is 2-3 inches in length.
Source: Odonata Central - Texas Natural Science Center Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School |