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Twelve-spotted skimmer

Twelve-spotted skimmer

Libellula pulchella

A species of Skimmers, Also known as Ten-spot dragonfly

The twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is otherwise known as the ten-spotted skimmer depending on the amount of dots you would like to count. Mature males have twelve brown wing spots and eight white wings spots. They are also known to be pretty massive; this makes them easy to identify.

General Info About Twelve-spotted skimmer
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Attributes of Twelve-spotted skimmer
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, butterflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insect larvae, tadpoles, small fish, mosquito larvae, other small aquatic organisms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Twelve-spotted 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 Twelve-spotted skimmer typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Appearance of Twelve-spotted skimmer
It is a large species, at 5 cm long. Each wing has three brown spots. In adult males, additional white spots form between the brown ones and at the bases of the hindwings.
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How to Identify Twelve-spotted skimmer?

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Adult Size of Twelve-spotted skimmer
4.5 - 5 cm
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Predators of Twelve-spotted skimmer Larvae
Aquatic insects, fish, tadpoles, newts, beetle larvae, water bugs
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Predators of Adult Twelve-spotted skimmer
Birds, frogs, spiders, wasps, dragonflies, mantis
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Interesting Facts About Twelve-spotted skimmer
Twelve-spotted skimmer can fly backwards, a unique ability allowing them to escape predators and catch their prey in various directions.
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Scientific Classification of Twelve-spotted skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Twelve-spotted skimmer
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How Can You Attract Twelve-spotted skimmer
Adult twelve-spotted skimmer are predators that feed on other insects. Therefore, traps for other insects can sometimes indirectly attract twelve-spotted skimmer. Using foods that attract their prey might be a viable method.
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Habitat Preferences of Twelve-spotted skimmer Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of twelve-spotted skimmer are typically laid in still or slow-moving bodies of freshwater such as ponds, lakes, and occasionally in calm stream sections. The naiads, known as naiads, inhabit the benthic zone of these waters, often concealing themselves in submerged vegetation or debris. Upon emergence, adult twelve-spotted skimmer favor riparian zones, fields, and open areas near water sources for their flight activities. To search for these stages, one might probe the littoral zones for eggs or naiads, while adults can be spotted perching on vegetation or patrolling for mates and prey in nearby open areas during the warmer parts of the day.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Twelve-spotted skimmer
The adult stage of twelve-spotted skimmer is typically most active during the warmer parts of the day when their prey is abundant. It is also useful to look for them from late spring to early autumn when they are most commonly found in the wild.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Twelve-spotted skimmer
Sunny and warm days are the most suitable weather to find adult twelve-spotted skimmer as they prefer to fly in optimal thermal conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Twelve-spotted skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Twelve-spotted skimmer eggs are laid on or near water bodies. To find them, inspect the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers for eggs that are often laid in a gelatinous matrix on aquatic plants or submerged objects.
Naiad Twelve-spotted skimmer naiads are aquatic and found in the same water bodies where eggs are laid. Searching among aquatic vegetation, under rocks, or within the mud at the bottom of ponds and streams can reveal these predatory naiads.
As twelve-spotted skimmer progress through their naiad stages, they become more robust and may venture into more exposed areas of their aquatic habitat. Look for larger naiads clinging to underwater plants or rocks.
Adult Adult twelve-spotted skimmer are often found perched on vegetation near water, waiting for prey or potential mates. They can be spotted by quietly walking along the shore of water bodies, observing plants, logs, and even the ground for resting individuals. Additionally, look for them in aerial displays above water where males often establish territories.
Are Twelve-spotted skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Twelve-spotted 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
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Butterflies, Soft-bodied Flying Insects
Twelve-spotted skimmer is a skilled aerial predator with exceptional vision, which helps it to detect and intercept prey mid-flight. Utilizing their speed and agility, twelve-spotted skimmer captures other insects with their spiny legs, reflecting their role in controlling pest populations. This insect's hunting prowess peaks in both naiad and adult stages, contributing significantly to ecosystem balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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