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Common whitetail skimmer

Common whitetail skimmer

Libellula lydia

A species of Skimmers

Common whitetail skimmer has black bands on its translucent wings which make it easy to identify. The common whitetail skimmer is found throughout North America and serves a vital ecological purpose. The dragonfly’s compound eyes provide it with a 360-degree field of vision, allowing it to spot prey like spiders and other nuisance insects.

General Info About Common whitetail skimmer
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Attributes of Common whitetail skimmer
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
pond; lake; marsh; stream
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insect larvae, tadpoles, small fish, mosquito larvae, water fleas
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
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Life Cycle of Common whitetail skimmer
Egg The eggs of common whitetail skimmer are usually laid in or near water. They are small and may be variably colored, adapting to their environment for camouflage.
Naiad As naiads, common whitetail skimmer are aquatic predators. They undergo several molts, growing larger and developing external gills, with a form distinct from adults.
Subimago Emergence marks the transition to adulthood. Nymphs of common whitetail skimmer climb out of the water, shedding their exoskeleton to reveal the wings and adult body form.
Adult Emerging from the naiad skin, the adult common whitetail skimmer has long, slender bodies and wings that can be brightly colored. Adults are strong fliers, engaging in feeding, mating, and territory defense.
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Adult Size of Common whitetail skimmer
6 - 7 cm
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Predators of Common whitetail skimmer Larvae
Frogs, toads, fish, water beetles, birds, other dragonfly species
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Predators of Adult Common whitetail skimmer
Birds, spiders, frogs, fish, robber flies, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Common whitetail skimmer
The common whitetail skimmer can fly straight up, down, and hover like a helicopter with intricate wing movements that have inspired aeronautical designs.
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Scientific Classification of Common whitetail skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Common whitetail skimmer
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How Can You Attract Common whitetail skimmer
Adult common whitetail skimmer are predators, consuming flying insects. They are not typically lured with bait as one might with other animals.
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Habitat Preferences of Common whitetail skimmer Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of common whitetail skimmer is generally found clinging to submerged aquatic plants in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, marshes, or calm stream edges. naiads of common whitetail skimmer inhabit the benthic zones of similar watery environments, hiding in detritus or among sediments and plants, awaiting prey. Adults are frequently observed in a variety of open areas near water sources, including fields, meadows, gardens, and alongside streams and lakes. To observe common whitetail skimmer at different stages, one would carefully inspect suitable aquatic vegetation for eggs, sift through bottom substrates of ponds or marshes for naiads, and observe around the edges of water bodies or in nearby terrestrial habitats for adults, who perch conspicuously on twigs or other vegetation when not in flight.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common whitetail skimmer
The best time to find common whitetail skimmer is during warm, sunny days when they are most active, typically from late mornings to mid-afternoon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common whitetail skimmer
Calm, sunny weather without strong winds or rain is ideal for spotting common whitetail skimmer, as they are more active in these conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Common whitetail skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Common whitetail skimmer eggs are laid in water or on aquatic plants. To find them, gently inspect the stems and leaves of plants in or near bodies of water such as ponds or slow-moving streams.
Naiad Common whitetail skimmer naiads are aquatic predators found in water. Search for them by carefully examining the substrate and vegetation in the water, especially in shallower areas.
Young common whitetail skimmer are not yet fully colored and can be found in the vicinity of their emergence site. They can be located by looking for smaller, less colorful dragonflies perched on vegetation near water bodies.
Adult During this stage, common whitetail skimmer transition from naiads to adults. This often occurs on plants or other vertical surfaces near water. To witness this, look for common whitetail skimmer naiads climbing above the waterline on plants or rocks, especially during morning or late afternoon.
Adult common whitetail skimmer can be found flying over water bodies, fields, and gardens in search of prey or mates. Spotting them may be easier as they perch on vegetation or other surfaces to rest or scout for insects. Observing them often requires patience and a sharp eye.
Are Common whitetail skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common whitetail skimmer
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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
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Flying Insects
Common whitetail skimmer, with its aerial agility, takes on the role of a natural pest controller. As both an adult and a naiad, it hunts various flying insects, particularly mosquitoes and flies. Its hunger-driven predation efficiently regulates the populations of these pests, benefiting ecosystems and possibly reducing the need for chemical control methods.
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