Found throughout the two main islands, but rarely in eastern districts.
Bush giant dragonfly
Māori name: kapowai, kakapowai, kapokapowai, titiwaiora, uruururoroa
English name: bush giant dragonfly
Scientific name: Uropetala carovei (White)
Order: Odonata;
Family: Petaluridae
- is found throughout the two main islands, but rarely in eastern districts.
The adult:
- is a large yellow and black dragonfly with a body length of about 80-85 mm;
- often flies slowly and noisily about the edges of bush or scrub;
- will settle quickly on a nearby surface if the sun is suddenly obscured by dense cloud, possibly even an unsuspecting bystander;
- male has large, petal-shaped hind appendages.
The nymphs:
- tunnel into the soft earth of a stream bank or seepage, where they occupy a chamber half-filled with water;
- are long-lived (perhaps 5 or 6 years);
- emerge at night to seek prey near the burrow entrance;
- are sensitive to disturbance so are rarely observed.