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Currently there are six species known in North America. In
almost all specie the thorax is of a green coloration but in some specie may be
pale yellow or white. These
colorful little guys are strikingly patterned with white and yellowish rings around the
lateral and dorsal segments of the
abdomen. Males ringtails are moderately clubbed while female clubs appear
absent. Most have orange or rusty clubs, pale faces, and short legs.
Females look similar to one another and can only be told apart
by thoracic markings. Females like males perch on the ground, but visit the
water only for breeding. Females oviposit by flying rapidly over the
waters surface depositing their eggs.
Ringtails can be seen perched on the ground, on low vegetation
near the waters edge in sand and rocky rivers, or shallow streams with pools and
riffles.
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