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Black-headed skimer

Crocothemis nigrifrons

A species of Scarlet skimmers, Also known as Blue-scarlet dragonfly

The male is blue and black, and the female is brown in color.

General Info About Black-headed skimer
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Attributes of Black-headed skimer
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, moths, butterflies, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insects, small fish, tadpoles, zooplankton, other aquatic larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Black-headed skimer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Black-headed skimer
Egg The eggs of black-headed skimer are typically laid in or near aquatic environments. They are small and inconspicuous, mirroring the surrounding habitat in color and texture to avoid predation.
Naiad As naiads, black-headed skimer are aquatic and predatory, undergoing several instars where they increase in size. They display morphological changes like the elongation of mouthparts for hunting and a more streamlined body for swimming.
Subimago Black-headed skimer in the subadult stage, known as the nymph, continue to grow and may develop wing pads. They remain aquatic and predatory, and their coloration often changes to offer better camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the aquatic habitat, the adult black-headed skimer has a robust body, fully developed wings, and vivid coloration. The size increase is notable, and adults are highly mobile and focus on mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Adult Black-headed skimer
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, mantises, other larger dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Black-headed skimer
Black-headed skimer can regulate its body temperature by changing its body color, aiding in thermoregulation during different weather conditions.
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Scientific Classification of Black-headed skimer
Tips for Finding Black-headed skimer
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Youth Habitat of Black-headed skimer
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Black-headed skimer Through Different Life Stages
At the naiad stage, black-headed skimer dwell in quiet, still freshwater habitats like ponds. Searching requires sifting through aquatic vegetation or inspecting the undersides of waterlogged debris. As they transition into the pupal stage, they climb nearby plant stems to anchor themselves above the water's surface. To locate a pupa, one must carefully scan such stems and leaves for their camouflaged presence. Adults, being strong fliers, are typically spotted perched on vegetation surrounding the same bodies of water or patrolling the area in flight. To find adult black-headed skimer, visiting sunny spots near rivers or lakes where they frequently hunt for small flying insects is advised.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black-headed skimer
The best time to find adult black-headed skimer is usually during warm, sunny days when they are most active, typically from late spring through early autumn.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black-headed skimer
Adult black-headed skimer prefer calm, sunny, and warm weather conditions as they are less active on cool or overcast days. naiads can be found in various weather conditions, as they are aquatic.
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How and Where Can You Find Black-headed skimer at Different Life Stages
Naiad Black-headed skimer naiads are aquatic and predatory. Look for them in ponds, slow-moving streams, or wetlands. You can use a small net to gently sweep the water and examine the contents or look under rocks and debris within the water body.
Adult During the emerging stage, black-headed skimer leave the water to undergo metamorphosis. This usually happens on plant stems or rocks near water bodies early in the morning. Search near the edges of ponds or streams at dawn to locate emerging black-headed skimer.
Teneral adult black-headed skimer are soft and vulnerable just after emergence and must rest until their exoskeleton hardens. Look for them on vegetation near water bodies, where they remain stationary, often hanging vertically.
Adult black-headed skimer are strong fliers and are often found patrolling territories or perched in sunny spots near water sources. Look for black-headed skimer resting on plants, logs, or the ground in these areas, particularly during midday when they bask in the sun.
Are Black-headed skimer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Black-headed skimer
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Insects
Black-headed skimer is an adept hunter, both in its adult and earlier aquatic stages. As a naiad, it preys voraciously on aquatic insects. Once emerged as an adult, it continues to hunt, capturing mosquitoes and other flying insects mid-air with its acute vision and agile flying. The hunt serves to sustain itself energetically.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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