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Slaty skimmer

Slaty skimmer

Libellula incesta

A species of Skimmers

Adults are 5 cm long. Mature males are dark blue with black heads. Females and juveniles have brown abdomens with a darker stripe down their backs.

General Info About Slaty skimmer
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Attributes of Slaty skimmer
Colors
Black
Habitat
pond; lake; stream
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae of other insects, aquatic worms, tadpoles, small fish
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Slaty skimmer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Predatory
The Slaty skimmer 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 Slaty skimmer
It is native to eastern United States and southern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
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Life Cycle of Slaty skimmer
Egg The egg stage is the beginning of the slaty skimmer's life cycle, with eggs often laid on or near water. The eggs are small and typically not conspicuous to avoid predation.
Naiad During the naiad stage, slaty skimmer lives underwater with a body shape adapted for aquatic life, featuring gills and an extendable jaw to catch prey. This stage may last for several years with multiple molts.
Subimago After the final naiad molt, slaty skimmer emerges as a subimago. This stage resembles the adult but with duller colors and shorter wings. Slaty skimmer is not yet reproductively mature and may have a hardening exoskeleton.
Adult Emerging from the subimago, the adult slaty skimmer develops vivid colors and longer wings. The body is fully formed, now geared for flight and reproduction. Adults have a short lifespan, focusing on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Slaty skimmer
4.5 - 6 cm
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Predators of Slaty skimmer Larvae
Fish, water beetles, tadpoles, backswimmers
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Predators of Adult Slaty skimmer
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, other dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Slaty skimmer
Slaty skimmer can fly backward, exhibiting a unique dexterity in the air due to their wing structure and muscle control.
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Scientific Classification of Slaty skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Slaty skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Slaty skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Slaty skimmer
Freshwater Habitats, Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Slaty skimmer
The best time to look for slaty skimmer is during daylight hours when they are most active, particularly on sunny days.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Slaty skimmer
Slaty skimmer prefers warm weather with little wind for optimal flight conditions, making the late spring and summer months ideal for finding them.
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How and Where Can You Find Slaty skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Slaty skimmer eggs are often laid in or near water bodies. Search for them by examining the edges of ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams for clusters of eggs attached to vegetation.
Naiad Slaty skimmer naiads are aquatic and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats. Look for them by gently sifting through pond substrate or inspecting aquatic plants and debris.
Adult During the transition from naiad to adult, slaty skimmer will emerge from the water and undergo metamorphosis. This stage can be observed on vegetation near water bodies where the naiads climb to shed their skin and transition to adults.
Slaty skimmer adults are very mobile and are often found flying near water sources or perched on vegetation. They can be identified by their brightly colored bodies and distinctive wing patterns, making visual spotting the most effective way to find them.
Are Slaty skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Slaty skimmer
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Soft-bodied Flying Insects
Slaty skimmer is a proficient flying predator that utilizes its exceptional aerial maneuvers to catch prey in flight. With acute vision and high-speed chases, it primarily feeds to sustain itself. Fascinatingly, slaty skimmer showcases remarkable hunting prowess throughout its naiad and adult stages, skillfully reducing the number of pests in its habitat.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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