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Great blue skimmer

Great blue skimmer

Libellula vibrans

A species of Skimmers

With a total length of 5 - 6 cm, it is one of the largest skimmers. The immature forms of the skimmer are brown in color and mature forms are blue-hued.

General Info About Great blue skimmer
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Attributes of Great blue skimmer
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
lake; pond; slow stream
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Great blue 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 Great blue 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 Great blue skimmer
It is in the eastern United States and rarely in southern Ontario.
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Distribution Area of Great blue skimmer
Eastern United States, southern Ontario
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Life Cycle of Great blue skimmer
Egg The eggs of great blue skimmer are typically laid in water or on vegetation near water. They are small and may vary in color, often mimicking the substrate to avoid predation.
Naiad Naiad of great blue skimmer are aquatic and predaceous. Their size and color change with each molt, gradually developing wing pads as they grow. They possess extendable mouthparts for catching prey.
Subimago As great blue skimmer matures, they leave the water. The transformation into an adult occurs, wings unfold and harden, the body elongates, and adult coloration develops.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult great blue skimmer's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is now aerial, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Great blue skimmer
1.8 - 6 cm
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Predators of Great blue skimmer Larvae
Frogs, toads, fish, aquatic beetles, water bugs, birds, turtles
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Scientific Classification of Great blue skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Great blue skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Great blue skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Great blue skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Great blue skimmer
Since great blue skimmer are predatory, they do not respond to typical bait or food traps. Instead, catching them often involves manual dexterity, the use of nets, or creating an environment attractive to their prey (small flying insects).
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Habitat Preferences of Great blue skimmer Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of great blue skimmer are typically laid in or near freshwater sources, such as ponds or slow-moving streams, often on submerged vegetation. naiads, or naiads, reside in these aquatic environments, hiding among debris and aquatic plants to ambush prey. As they transition to adulthood, the naiads emerge from the water, shedding their exoskeletons on nearby foliage or rocks. Adults are commonly found in open areas near water bodies, frequently perching on twigs, rocks, or even the ground, where they hunt for flying insects and patrol their territory.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Great blue skimmer
The best time to find adult great blue skimmer is during warm, sunny days, preferably late morning to mid-afternoon, when they are most active and likely to be hunting or mating. naiads are best searched for during daylight hours as well, especially in their aquatic habitats.
Are Great blue skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Great blue 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
Purpose
Feed Itself
Great blue skimmer exhibits fascinating predatory behavior, both in its naiad (aquatic immature) and adult stages. Naiads are aquatic hunters, adept at using their extendable lower lips to snatch unwary prey, while adults exhibit impressive aerial acrobatics to capture flying insects. This pursuit is primarily for sustenance, fueling their energy-intensive flying and mating activities.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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