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Black-tailed skimmer

Black-tailed skimmer

Nesciothemis farinosa

A species of Nesciothemis, Also known as Black-tailed dancer, Common blacktail

General Info About Black-tailed skimmer
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Attributes of Black-tailed skimmer
Colors
Black
Yellow
Cyan
Habitat
moist lowland forest; dry savanna; moist savanna; shrubland; river; swamp; freshwater lake; freshwater marsh
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, other small insects, butterflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, water fleas, small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Black-tailed 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
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Species Status of Black-tailed skimmer
It is found in Africa.
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Distribution Area of Black-tailed skimmer
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic, Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, possibly Burundi
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Life Cycle of Black-tailed skimmer
Egg The egg of black-tailed skimmer is typically laid in or near water, establishing a groundwork for the aquatic naiads. The egg is small, oval, and often camouflaged.
Naiad After hatching, the naiad breathes with gills and hunts small aquatic organisms. Its body is elongated with a specialized mouthpart for catching prey.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult black-tailed skimmer displays a slender body, large eyes, and transparent wings. Coloration intensifies, and it becomes aerial, seeking mates and reproducing.
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Predators of Adult Black-tailed skimmer
Birds, spiders, frogs, larger dragonflies, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Black-tailed skimmer
Black-tailed skimmer has the unique ability to regulate its body temperature by changing its wing color, aiding in thermoregulation.
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Scientific Classification of Black-tailed skimmer
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Black-tailed skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Black-tailed skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Black-tailed skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Black-tailed skimmer
Adult black-tailed skimmer are predatory and feed on flying insects. Therefore, using an insect attractant can be effective in luring them.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black-tailed skimmer
Ideal conditions for finding the black-tailed skimmer are on sunny, warm days with little to no wind, as these are the conditions that support their flight and predatory activity.
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How and Where Can You Find Black-tailed skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs are typically laid in or near water. To find black-tailed skimmer eggs, one should carefully inspect aquatic plants, the water's edge, and floating debris in ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams.
Naiad Black-tailed skimmer naiads are aquatic and can be found in the same bodies of water where eggs are laid. Use a net to gently sift through the water, examining submerged rocks, plants, and detritus for the black-tailed skimmer naiads.
Look for them in and around aquatic vegetation, as they often hide and hunt among the plants.
Adult Adult black-tailed skimmer are strong fliers and are attracted to open, sunny areas near water. Spot them by patiently watching for their flight over water bodies, resting on vegetation, or sunning on flat surfaces to absorb warmth.
Are Black-tailed skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Black-tailed skimmer
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Small Insects
The black-tailed skimmer exhibits predatory behavior in both its naiadal and adult stages. Living near water, the naiads prey on aquatic insects, while the adults hunt in the air, swiftly capturing their prey mid-flight with their precision flying skills. The primary aim for black-tailed skimmer's predatory nature is sustaining itself, though their hunting also contributes to controlling pest populations.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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