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Lyre-tipped spreadwing

Lyre-tipped spreadwing

Lestes unguiculatus

A species of Pond spreadwings

Lestes unguiculatus, the lyre-tipped spreadwing, is a species of spreadwing in the damselfly family Lestidae. It is found in North America. The IUCN conservation status of Lestes unguiculatus is "LC", least concern, with no immediate threat to the species' survival. The population is stable. The IUCN status was reviewed in 2017.

General Info About Lyre-tipped spreadwing
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Attributes of Lyre-tipped spreadwing
Colors
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
marshy area; pond edge; wet depression
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, mayflies, moths, small beetles
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, tadpoles, small fish, larvae of other insects, micro-crustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Lyre-tipped spreadwing 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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Life Cycle of Lyre-tipped spreadwing
Egg The egg of lyre-tipped spreadwing is laid in or near water. It's often oval and tiny, designed to blend with aquatic vegetation, diminishing predation risks.
Naiad The naiad of lyre-tipped spreadwing looks like a smaller adult but lacks wings. It's aquatic, predatory, and molts multiple times as it grows in size.
Adult Emerging as an adult, lyre-tipped spreadwing has long, slender bodies with large wings. Their coloration is vibrant, and they are active flyers, seeking mates and preying on other insects.
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Predators of Lyre-tipped spreadwing Larvae
Frogs, toads, aquatic beetles, fishes, birds, water spiders
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Predators of Adult Lyre-tipped spreadwing
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, dragonflies, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Lyre-tipped spreadwing
The lyre-tipped spreadwing is known to exhibit unique obelisk behavior, angling its body towards the sun to prevent overheating—a remarkable thermal regulation strategy.
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Scientific Classification of Lyre-tipped spreadwing
Tips for Finding Lyre-tipped spreadwing
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How Can You Attract Lyre-tipped spreadwing
There is no specific 'trap food' for lyre-tipped spreadwing as they are predatory insects at all stages of life, preying on various small invertebrates and sometimes on smaller dragonflies.
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Habitat Preferences of Lyre-tipped spreadwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of lyre-tipped spreadwing are typically laid in aquatic vegetation or directly in water. During the naiad stage, they can be found in various freshwater bodies like ponds, slow-moving streams, and marshes. naiads are aquatic predators, often concealing themselves among aquatic plants or detritus. To find these naiads, one would search among submerged vegetation or debris. As they reach adulthood after emerging from the water, adults of lyre-tipped spreadwing are commonly found in areas surrounding the same water bodies, including fields and forest edges where they hunt for prey. They are seen perched on vegetation or flying in the sunlight. To observe them, one should cautiously approach these habitats on sunny days when lyre-tipped spreadwing are most active.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Lyre-tipped spreadwing
The best time to find adult lyre-tipped spreadwing is typically on warm, sunny days, usually from late spring to early fall, when they are most active. For naiads, you can search year-round, but late spring to fall is when they're most likely to be found close to the water's surface.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Lyre-tipped spreadwing
Adult lyre-tipped spreadwing are most active in calm, warm weather when there is little to no wind. Rainy or cold conditions are not suitable for finding lyre-tipped spreadwing as they prefer to be active in the sunshine and warmth.
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How and Where Can You Find Lyre-tipped spreadwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Lyre-tipped spreadwing eggs are often laid within plant tissue near or in water. Locate the eggs by carefully examining aquatic plants in still or slow-moving water bodies, such as ponds or marshes.
Naiad Lyre-tipped spreadwing naiads are aquatic and can be found in the same water bodies the eggs were laid. Search along the muddy or vegetated edge of ponds, lakes, or marshes, and look for them clinging to submerged vegetation or debris.
Adult After emerging from the water, young lyre-tipped spreadwing are called teneral adults and are usually found near the water’s edge where they emerged. Look for them on nearby vegetation as they dry and harden their exoskeleton.
Are Lyre-tipped spreadwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Lyre-tipped spreadwing
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Aquatic Insects
Lyre-tipped spreadwing is an adept hunter during its immature stages, inhabiting fresh water bodies. As a naiad, it employs ambush tactics, relying on its camouflage to snatch unsuspecting prey, primarily mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects. This behavior is crucial for its growth and ability to reach the adult phase.
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