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Swift forktail

Swift forktail

Ischnura erratica

A species of Forktails

Ischnura erratica is a robust species with a length of 30 to 35 mm (1.2 to 1.4 in) and a wingspan of 35 to 40 mm (1.4 to 1.6 in). In the male, the head is black with a green facial stripe and three blue spots on the forehead. The lower part of the eyes are green. The thorax is black dorsally and yellowish-green ventrally, with two lateral blue stripes. The abdomen is shiny black above and yellowish-green or yellowish-orange below. Segments 1 and 2 have blue bands dorsally, segments 3 to 6 have narrow yellow rings and there is a large blue dorsal patch stretching from segments 7 or 8 to segment 10. The tip of segment 10 is extended into an upward-pointing forked tail. The female has two colour phases. One is similar to the male but with duller eyes and greenish-blue replacing blue. The other has pale patches on the head, a greenish thorax, and a black abdomen with narrow green rings at the base of some segments. Immature females have dull orange patches on head and thorax.

General Info About Swift forktail
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Attributes of Swift forktail
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Blue
Habitat
Ischnura erratica is native to the Pacific Northwest and is found in lowland and upland habitats in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California. It breeds in a range of habitats including acid peat bogs, forest lakes, beaver dams, field ponds, ditches and the backwaters of cool streams. It only breeds in clear waters. In British Columbia, it is often associated with drooping woodreed (Cinna latifolia) in the submerged stems of which the eggs are laid. It also perches on lily pads, on rocks and logs and on the ground, with the tip of the abdomen resting on the surface.
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, small moths, mayflies, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Aquatic larvae, small fish, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, other small aquatic invertebrates
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Swift forktail typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Swift forktail
Egg Newly laid eggs of swift forktail are often ovate and microscopic, laid singly or in clusters. Color can range from white to vibrant shades, changing as they mature.
Naiad Emerging naiads of swift forktail develop in water and undergo several instars. They gradually increase in size, develop wing buds, and exhibit predatory behavior.
Adult As swift forktail reaches adulthood, it emerges with elongated, slender bodies. Coloration often includes vivid patterns, aiding in camouflage and mate attraction. Wings are fully developed for flight.
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Predators of Swift forktail Larvae
Frogs and toads, aquatic beetles, fish, other dragonfly larvae
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Predators of Adult Swift forktail
Birds, spiders, frogs and toads, wasps, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Swift forktail
Some swift forktail can switch their body color, a rare ability in insects, helping them adapt to varying environmental conditions.
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Scientific Classification of Swift forktail
Tips for Finding Swift forktail
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Adult Habitat of Swift forktail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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Habitat Preferences of Swift forktail Through Different Life Stages
The naiads (naiads) of swift forktail are aquatic, typically found in a variety of wetland habitats including ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing streams, amid submerged vegetation or debris where they can hunt for small aquatic prey. The adults are aerial and favor calm, sunny conditions close to water sources, often seen around the edges of ponds, meadows, and gardens where they can feed on flying insects and mate. To look for the different growth stages, one would investigate the margins of water bodies for naiads in the water and emerging adults on plants, and the surrounding air space and vegetation for mature adults engaging in flight activities.
Are Swift forktail harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Swift forktail
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Predators of Pests
Bioindicators
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Small Moths
Swift forktail exhibits astonishing predatory behavior both as a naiad and as an adult. In its aquatic naiad stage, it ambushes unsuspecting prey, while the agile adults capture flying insects mid-air. Its voracious appetite includes mosquitoes and small moths, contributing to environmental balance by keeping pest populations in check.
Bioindicators
Stage
Adults, Naiads
The naiads stage of swift forktail is aquatic, sensitive to water quality changes, making them reliable bioindicators. Experts analyze their presence and health to gauge pollution levels. As adults, they signify mature, balanced ecosystems. Their specificity to habitat conditions allows for targeted environmental assessments.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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