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Common threadtail

Common threadtail

Elattoneura glauca

A species of Elattoneura

The species is on the IUCN Red List as not endangered, year of assessment 2009.

General Info About Common threadtail
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Attributes of Common threadtail
Habitat
shady area along river and stream
Adult Food Sources
Mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, other small larvae, zooplankton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common threadtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Common threadtail typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
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Life Cycle of Common threadtail
Egg Deposited in water, the eggs of common threadtail are typically oval and undergo direct development inside. The embryo transforms into the first naiad stage within the egg itself.
Naiad The naiad of common threadtail primarily exhibits gradual growth and molting. It's aquatic, predatory, and breathes through gills, with significant size increase at each molt.
Subimago The naiad of common threadtail undergoes several instars, each with incremental changes. As it approaches the adult stage, it develops wing pads and prepares for terrestrial life.
Adult Emerging from the water, the adult common threadtail has fully formed wings and functions as a proficient flier. It is distinctly colored, sexually mature, and focuses on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Common threadtail
3 - 4 cm
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Predators of Common threadtail Larvae
Aquatic insects like beetle larvae and bugs, fish, frogs and toads, birds, water spiders
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Predators of Adult Common threadtail
Birds, spiders, frogs and toads, larger dragonflies, mantis, bats
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Interesting Facts About Common threadtail
Common threadtail can fly backwards, an unusual trait demonstrating their unique and agile aerial capabilities.
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Scientific Classification of Common threadtail
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Tips for Finding Common threadtail
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How Can You Attract Common threadtail
Adult common threadtail are carnivorous and primarily feed on smaller insects. Attracting prey insects could serve as an indirect way to attract common threadtail.
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Habitat Preferences of Common threadtail Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of common threadtail are aquatic, residing in slow-moving streams or calm water bodies like ponds, where vegetation is plentiful. For the best chance of spotting these immature stages, one would investigate the shallow, vegetated margins of such waters. Adult common threadtail, on the other hand, often stay near water sources as well, but they are also found in adjacent meadows or forests. To observe adults, search along the banks of rivers, in clearings, or sunny spots where they might be perching on vegetation or flying to capture prey.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common threadtail
The best time to find adult common threadtail is usually on warm, sunny days, particularly in the late morning to early afternoon when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common threadtail
Weather conditions that are ideal for spotting common threadtail include warm temperatures, low wind, and no rain. Such conditions encourage common threadtail to be active and visible.
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How and Where Can You Find Common threadtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs are laid on or near water bodies. To find common threadtail eggs, carefully inspect the stems and leaves of aquatic plants or debris found in or near water.
Naiad Common threadtail naiads or naiads are aquatic and can be found in water bodies such as ponds and slow streams. Look for them by gently disturbing the substrate or vegetation in shallow water.
Adult During emergence, common threadtail transform from naiads to adults. This stage can often be observed on the vegetation near water bodies, where the exuviae (cast-off skins) can also be found attached to plant stems or leaves.
Adult common threadtail are aerial and are often spotted around water bodies or flying among vegetation. To find them, one could visit a pond or stream on a warm day and watch for their characteristic flight patterns, or search for them resting on vegetation.
Are Common threadtail harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common threadtail
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Small Aquatic Insects
Common threadtail is an adept hunter, both as a naiad and as an adult. As naiads in water, they ambush or chase down small aquatic prey, primarily feeding on mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects. Adult common threadtail catch their prey mid-flight, often consuming a variety of flying insects, showing a particular penchant for mosquitoes. Their feeding habits help control pest populations, benefiting many ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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