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Blue-tailed damselfly

Blue-tailed damselfly

Ischnura elegans

A species of Forktails, Also known as Agrion lgant, European bluetail

Adorned with a sleek, slender abdomen, blue-tailed damselfly boasts striking, segmented bodies with hues that vary markedly between genders and throughout maturation. As nimble aerial hunters, they are equipped with two pairs of transparent wings, which give them remarkable agility and control mid-flight. Preferring the tranquil ambiance of wetland ecosystems, they skillfully lay their eggs in or near water sources, ensuring their aquatic larvae, known as naiads, thrive in a rich, submerged world where they voraciously prey upon other small aquatic inhabitants.

General Info About Blue-tailed damselfly
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Attributes of Blue-tailed damselfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Cyan
Habitat
lowland environment with water
Adult Food Sources
Mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, mosquito larvae, water fleas (daphnia), tadpoles, aquatic worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Blue-tailed damselfly 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 Blue-tailed damselfly
It is present in most of Europe.
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Distribution Area of Blue-tailed damselfly
Most of Europe
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Life Cycle of Blue-tailed damselfly
Egg The egg of blue-tailed damselfly is often oviposited in or near aquatic environments. The egg is small and may be color-matched with the substrate to avoid predation. Over time, the embryo develops inside until it's ready to hatch.
Naiad Upon hatching, the naiad, or naiad of blue-tailed damselfly, is aquatic and predatory. It undergoes several molts, increasing in size with each one. The naiad has a long, slender body, extendable mouthparts for catching prey, and lacks wings.
Subimago As blue-tailed damselfly grows, the subadult stage resembles the adult but is not yet fully developed. It still lacks fully formed wings and reproductive structures. The subadult continues to molt and grow, preparing for the final transformation.
Adult Emerging from the last molt, the adult blue-tailed damselfly has long, transparent wings and a slender body optimized for flight. It exhibits vibrant, distinctive coloration. The insect leaves its aquatic life for an aerial one, seeking mates and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Blue-tailed damselfly
2.5 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Blue-tailed damselfly Larvae
Fish, frogs, toads, water beetles, birds, other predatory aquatic insects
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Predators of Adult Blue-tailed damselfly
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, other larger dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Blue-tailed damselfly
Blue-tailed damselfly can rapidly change its body color to regulate temperature, using darker colors in cool conditions to absorb heat more efficiently.
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Scientific Classification of Blue-tailed damselfly
Tips for Finding Blue-tailed damselfly
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Youth Habitat of Blue-tailed damselfly
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Blue-tailed damselfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Blue-tailed damselfly Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of blue-tailed damselfly are aquatic, typically residing in a wide range of freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers, often among algae, aquatic plants, or submerged wood. Adult blue-tailed damselfly are commonly found in similar moist environments, but they also venture into meadows and gardens in search of prey or mates. To observe the naiads, one should explore shallow water bodies, gently scanning among vegetation. For adults, searching along the banks of water sources or sunlit open areas nearby during the warmer parts of the day when they are most active, is most productive.
Are Blue-tailed damselfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Blue-tailed damselfly
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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
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Larval Aquatic Insect
The blue-tailed damselfly displays a fascinating predatory behavior where both adults and naiads partake in hunting their prey. They primarily consume mosquitoes and other aquatic larvae, satisfying their nutritional needs while keeping pest populations in check. Their predation is crucial for their survival and is also beneficial for controlling pest species in their habitat.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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