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Dainty damselfly

Dainty damselfly

Coenagrion scitulum

A species of Eurasian bluets, Also known as Dainty blue damselfly

Hovering over freshwater habitats, the dainty damselfly is a striking aerial artist, flitting with delicate precision among aquatic vegetation. These nimble fliers are characterized by their slender bodies and gossamer wings, which they employ with remarkable agility to snap up a variety of small insects in flight. With a life cycle encompassing a nymph stage with aquatic predation, they later metamorphose into adults that continue the cycle of predation in the air.

General Info About Dainty damselfly
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Attributes of Dainty damselfly
Colors
Black
Blue
Habitat
C. scitulum are found in large and generally stagnant, ponds with abundant vegetation including water-milfoil and hornwort, they can also be found in flooded ditches. It has also been discovered that constructed wetlands are an important habitat and sanctuary for C. scitulum. This is because these areas lack fish that prey on insects giving the dainty damselfly a safe habitat to live and reproduce in. They are most easily spotted during the months of June and July and males can be most easily observed perched on floating vegetation in open water. Although dainty damselflies are quite small they do have the ability to travel distances between ponds if resources become sparse and if the benefits outweighs the cost. We also see evidence of their movement through the recolonization of the lost population in Britain.
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Other aquatic invertebrates, small aquatic insects, aquatic worms, larvae of mosquitoes, water fleas (daphnia sp.)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Dainty damselfly is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Dainty damselfly
The dainty damselfly was formerly recorded as a breeding species in Britain and had thought to have become locally extinct after the North Sea flood of 1953. There was a large viable population in East Anglia, but after the flood many seasons passed by without any sightings of the dainty damselfly leading to the conclusion that they had been extirpated. In 2010, after 57 years without sightings, it had been positively identified and rediscovered in Kent. This meant that there had to have been a viable population all along, it just had diminished to critical numbers. The dainty damselfly is able to disperse quite widely so it is a possibility that a neighbouring population made its way back into the area. The current status of C. scitulum according to IUCN Red List is of 'Least Concern', meaning that the population is considered stable according to the IUCN's criteria.
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Distribution Area of Dainty damselfly
The dainty damselfly is mostly found in western Europe, northwest Africa, western Caspian and the south Caucasus regions. It can also be found in Eastern Europe. There seems to be another population of C. scitulum in central Asia and it's not clear if this is a separate species or if they traveled from the European population across the mountains of Afghanistan and northern Iran.
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Predators of Adult Dainty damselfly
Birds, frogs, spiders, fish, robber flies, preying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Dainty damselfly
The dainty damselfly is capable of flying backwards, a unique adaptation that aids in catching prey and avoiding predators efficiently.
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Scientific Classification of Dainty damselfly
Tips for Finding Dainty damselfly
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Youth Habitat of Dainty damselfly
Freshwater Habitats, Marshes, Ponds, Slow-moving Streams
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Habitat Preferences of Dainty damselfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of dainty damselfly are typically found submerged on aquatic plants in ponds or slow-moving waters. naiads, or naiads, develop underwater, often clinging to submerged vegetation or hiding in detritus. To find the naiads, one might gently disturb the vegetation or sift through the debris at the bottom. For the final stage, adult dainty damselfly are aerial and are commonly found near the edges of the same bodies of water where they developed, perching on nearby vegetation. An observer may find them by scanning the shoreline vegetation, particularly on sunny days when adults are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Dainty damselfly
The best time to find adult dainty damselfly is typically on warm, sunny days when they are most active, usually between late morning and early afternoon. Observing the naiads or naiads may require searching water bodies during the spring and summer when they are developing.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Dainty damselfly
Warm, calm, and sunny weather conditions are preferable for finding adult dainty damselfly, as they are active and engaged in feeding, mating, or territorial behavior. Rainy or windy weather may decrease the possibility of sightings.
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How and Where Can You Find Dainty damselfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Dainty damselfly eggs are generally laid on aquatic plants. Finding them may involve carefully inspecting the stems and leaves of submerged or floating vegetation in clean, still or slow-moving water bodies.
Naiad Naiads of dainty damselfly can be found in ponds, lakes, and slow streams among aquatic vegetation. They can be safely collected with a small net by sweeping through the plants and examining the contents for the naiads.
Adult During emergence, dainty damselfly transition from aquatic naiads to winged adults. This process often occurs on plant stems or rocks close to water. To find them, look for exuviae (cast-off skins) on vegetation near water bodies at dawn or dusk.
Dainty damselfly adults can be observed near various water bodies where they breed and hunt. Searching along the banks of rivers, ponds, and lakes on sunny days can yield sightings of perching or flying dainty damselfly. They can also be attracted to dark-colored landing platforms or the use of a sweep net.
Are Dainty damselfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Dainty damselfly
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Dainty damselfly is an effective hunter at both the naiad and adult stages. As naiads in the water, they stealthily ambush or actively chase small aquatic organisms. The adults, engaging in aerial acrobatics, snatch mosquitoes, flies, and other insects mid-flight. Their predatory behavior is essential to their survival, and they are often found hunting around wetlands and water bodies.
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