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Hoary skimmer

Hoary skimmer

Libellula nodisticta

A species of Skimmers

Libellula nodisticta, the hoary skimmer, is a species of skimmer in the dragonfly family Libellulidae. It is found in Central America, North America, and South America. The IUCN conservation status of Libellula nodisticta 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 Hoary skimmer
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Attributes of Hoary skimmer
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, moths, small beetles, other flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, mosquito larvae, daphnia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Hoary skimmer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Hoary skimmer typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Hoary skimmer
Stable population; not threatened
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Distribution Area of Hoary skimmer
Central America, North America, South America
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Life Cycle of Hoary skimmer
Egg The eggs of hoary skimmer are typically laid in or near water. They are small and, depending on species, can be different in color and shape. The main goal at this stage is the sustenance of the embryo until it hatches into a naiad.
Naiad The naiad of hoary skimmer lives in water, developing through several instars. It undergoes significant changes in size but not in basic body plan. The naiad is predatory, with a unique extendable lower lip (labium) used to catch prey.
Adult The adult hoary skimmer emerges from the final molt. It’s characterized by long, transparent wings and vivid body coloration. The adult has a slender, elongated body and is highly mobile, flying to feed and mate. It does not grow further after this final molt.
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Interesting Facts About Hoary skimmer
Hoary skimmer can fly backwards, a rare ability in the world of flying insects, showcasing its remarkable aerial agility.
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Scientific Classification of Hoary skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Hoary skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Hoary skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Hoary skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Hoary skimmer
Since adult hoary skimmer are predators of smaller insects, using any type of bait or trap is ineffective. Instead, observing their hunting and perching behavior is key.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hoary skimmer
Warm, clear weather with little wind is ideal for spotting flying adult hoary skimmer, as they are more active and easier to see in these conditions. Conversely, overcast or cooler days may be better for finding naiads in the water, as adults are less active.
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How and Where Can You Find Hoary skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Hoary skimmer eggs are laid on aquatic plants or directly in the water. To find hoary skimmer eggs, search the stems and leaves of water plants or along the water's edge where the female may have touched down to lay eggs.
Naiad Hoary skimmer naiads are aquatic and can be found in still or slow-moving bodies of fresh water like ponds, marshes, or slow-flowing streams. Look for them among aquatic vegetation or on the bottom by carefully inspecting submerged plants or scooping sediment with a fine mesh net.
As hoary skimmer matures, the naiads are found in the same aquatic environments. They can be more prominently perched on plants or stones in the water. Use a net to gently sweep through vegetation or turn over stones and debris.
Adult Adult hoary skimmer are strong fliers and are most commonly found near bodies of water where they breed. Spot them perched on vegetation, sticks, or the ground near the water's edge, particularly in sunny spots where they can bask in the sun.
Are Hoary skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Hoary 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
Hoary skimmer gracefully hunts its prey mid-flight, using its exceptional speed and aerial dexterity. The act of predation is crucial not just for nourishment, but for maintaining ecosystem balance. Its naiads, are equally voracious, hunting aquatic pests in freshwater habitats before transitioning to skilled airborne predators.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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