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Grappletail

Grappletail

Octogomphus specularis

A species of Grappletail

The species is on the Red List of the IUCN as not endangered, year of assessment 2007, the trend of the population is stable according to the IUCN.

General Info About Grappletail
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Attributes of Grappletail
Colors
Black
Green
Habitat
small woodland stream; warm stream
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae, tadpoles, aquatic worms, other small aquatic animals
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Grappletail 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 Grappletail
It is distributed in the United States, Mexico and China.
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Distribution Area of Grappletail
North America
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Life Cycle of Grappletail
Egg The egg of the grappletail is typically laid in or near water bodies. The egg develops over time, with its color and size varying by species, but generally maintaining an oval shape.
Naiad Upon hatching, the naiad of grappletail emerges, often called a naiad. It resembles a miniature, wingless adult and lives in water. The naiad undergoes several molts, growing larger and developing wing pads.
Subimago The grappletail undergoes a critical transition to a subimago. It gains wings and leaves water. This stage is a brief, non-reproductive phase where further development and maturation occur.
Adult Emerging from the subimago stage, the adult grappletail's development is complete, marked by the presence of fully formed wings and mature reproductive organs. The adult is vibrant, mobile, and focused on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Grappletail
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Grappletail
Grappletail larvae possess an incredibly unique rectal gill system for breathing underwater that works similarly to a jet propulsion mechanism.
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Scientific Classification of Grappletail
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Clubtails
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Tips for Finding Grappletail
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Youth Habitat of Grappletail
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Grappletail
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats
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How Can You Attract Grappletail
There are no specific trap foods used for attracting grappletail, as they are predatory insects and generally catch their live prey in flight.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Grappletail
Grappletail prefers warm weather with little to no wind for optimal flight conditions, and they are less active during rainy or cold days.
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How and Where Can You Find Grappletail at Different Life Stages
Egg Grappletail eggs are typically laid on aquatic plants or directly in the water. To find them, search along the edges of clean, slow-moving streams or rivers, inspecting vegetation just above the water's surface.
Naiad Grappletail naiads are aquatic and can be found in the sediment or clinging to underwater vegetation in rivers or streams. They can be collected by carefully sifting through river substrates or using a fine-mesh net.
Adult During grappletail emergence, when naiads transition to adulthood, search near the water's edge on vegetation or rocks where they may be drying their wings. This usually occurs just after sunset or during early morning hours.
Adult grappletail are strong flyers and can be seen patrolling over water bodies or resting on vegetation. Look for them near rivers or streams, using binoculars to spot them from afar or waiting quietly nearby to observe them landing.
Are Grappletail harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Grappletail
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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, Aquatic Insects
Grappletail is an accomplished predator both in its naiad stages in water, where it hunts various aquatic insects, and as an adult in the air, preying mostly on mosquitoes. Utilizing its exceptional flying abilities and keen vision, grappletail captures prey mid-flight. Hunting serves the primary purpose of nourishment for itself.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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