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White-tailed sylph

White-tailed sylph

Macrothemis pseudimitans

A species of Sylphs

The scientific name Macrothemis pseudimitans was first validly published in 1898 by Calvert.

General Info About White-tailed sylph
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Attributes of White-tailed sylph
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies, beetles
Larva Food Source
Aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, small fish, mosquito larvae, other insect larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The White-tailed sylph 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 White-tailed sylph typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of White-tailed sylph
It is distributed in South and North America.
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Distribution Area of White-tailed sylph
Arizona, Texas, Mexico, Central America, South America
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Life Cycle of White-tailed sylph
Egg Laid in water, the eggs of white-tailed sylph hatch into naiads called nymphs. These lack wings and resemble miniature adults but with different body proportions.
Naiad During the naiad stage, white-tailed sylph lives in water, molting multiple times. It grows in size, with gradual development of wing buds, but lacks fully developed wings.
Adult Emerging from its last molt, the adult white-tailed sylph possesses fully formed wings and a slender body, with vibrant colors for mating displays. It leaves the aquatic environment and is highly mobile.
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Predators of Adult White-tailed sylph
Birds, bats, spiders, larger dragonflies, frogs, mantises
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Interesting Facts About White-tailed sylph
Despite its delicate appearance, white-tailed sylph possesses acute vision facilitated by nearly 30,000 individual lenses in its compound eyes, optimizing its hunting prowess.
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Scientific Classification of White-tailed sylph
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Genus
Sylphs
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Tips for Finding White-tailed sylph
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Youth Habitat of White-tailed sylph
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of White-tailed sylph
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract White-tailed sylph
Since white-tailed sylph are predators, they do not respond to baits or traps in the same way insects that feed on nectar or other foods might. However, they can sometimes be observed around light sources at night where they hunt for prey.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe White-tailed sylph
Warm and sunny weather without strong winds is ideal for locating adult white-tailed sylph. The naiads can be found in their aquatic environments regardless of weather conditions, although they may be less active in colder temperatures.
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How and Where Can You Find White-tailed sylph at Different Life Stages
Egg White-tailed sylph eggs are usually deposited in or near water bodies. To find them, inspect the edges of ponds, streams, or slow-moving rivers for vegetation where the eggs might be attached.
Naiad As aquatic predators, white-tailed sylph naiads can be found in various water bodies such as ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Look for them among submerged vegetation or debris at the water's edge.
They might be located closer to the water's surface or among floating vegetation as they prepare to undergo metamorphosis.
Adult Look for adult white-tailed sylph near bodies of water, fields, and meadows where they hunt and mate. They are often seen perching on twigs, branches, or atop vegetation. Observing and identifying well-known flight patterns such as patrolling or hovering can aid in finding them.
Are White-tailed sylph harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of White-tailed sylph
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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, Smaller Insects
White-tailed sylph serves as a natural pest controller in its habitat. During the naiad stage, it is aquatic and primarily preys on mosquito larvae, which helps to control the population of these potential disease vectors. As an adult, white-tailed sylph captures prey mid-flight using their exceptional flying abilities and acute vision. This dietary habit is beneficial for managing various insect populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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