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Aztec dancer

Aztec dancer

Argia nahuana

A species of Dancers

The dark black stripe on the side of the thorax is forked from front to back. Other field marks include blue postocular spots, pale blue legs with a black stripe, and a blue ring on the seventh segment of the abdomen.

General Info About Aztec dancer
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Attributes of Aztec dancer
Colors
Black
Blue
Habitat
pond; stream; spring
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, small aquatic insects, aquatic worms, tadpoles, small crustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Aztec dancer typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Aztec dancer
It is found in the United States and Mexico.
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Distribution Area of Aztec dancer
United States
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Life Cycle of Aztec dancer
Egg The aztec dancer begins as an egg, which is usually deposited in or near water sources. The egg is small, typically oval-shaped, and designed for the aquatic environment where the embryo develops.
Naiad After hatching, the naiad stage begins. The aztec dancer naiad resembles the adult but without wings. It is aquatic, predatory, and undergoes multiple molts, growing larger with each one and gradually developing adult-like features.
Adult Emerging from the last naiad stage, the adult aztec dancer exhibits fully developed wings and a slender body optimized for flight. The coloration is often vivid, and sexual dimorphism can be evident. Adults focus on feeding, mating, and laying eggs.
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Predators of Adult Aztec dancer
Birds, spiders, frogs, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Aztec dancer
Members of aztec dancer can evade predators with an aerial 'power loop,' a 360-degree spinning maneuver performed while in flight.
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Scientific Classification of Aztec dancer
Tips for Finding Aztec dancer
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Youth Habitat of Aztec dancer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Aztec dancer
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Aztec dancer
Since aztec dancer are predators, they do not seek typical bait food. They may be lured to an area with a high concentration of small insects which they prey upon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Aztec dancer
Sunny and warm weather without strong winds is generally most suitable for finding aztec dancer, as these conditions are ideal for their flight and prey activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Aztec dancer at Different Life Stages
Egg Aztec dancer eggs are usually laid in or near water. Look for them attached to aquatic plants, or submerged within the soft stems of plants just above or below the waterline.
Naiad Aztec dancer naiads are aquatic and can be found in the water bodies where the eggs were laid. They are predators, hiding and waiting to ambush prey, often blending in with the bottom of ponds, streams, or wetlands. Look for them by gently removing rocks or debris in shallow water.
Adult Aztec dancer in the teneral stage have just emerged from the naiad stage and can often be found near water on plants, drying their wings before their first flight. They are soft and vulnerable, so they should be observed without disturbing them.
Adult aztec dancer are most often seen flying around water bodies, hunting for insects. Look for them perching on plants or other surfaces near water, or in courtship flights above water. Because they are territorial, males can often be spotted returning to the same perch.
Are Aztec dancer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Aztec dancer
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Small Flying Insects
Aztec dancer preys on pests both in its aquatic immature stage as a naiad and in its terrestrial adult stage. In freshwater habitats, the naiads feed on a variety of aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae. As adults, they capture small flying insects midair with impeccable precision. Preying on pests serves as a means to feed itself, playing a critical role in controlling pest populations.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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