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Westfall's snaketail

Ophiogomphus westfalli

A species of Snaketails

Ophiogomphus westfalli, or Westfall's snaketail, is a species of clubtail in the family of dragonflies known as Gomphidae. It is found in North America. The IUCN conservation status of Ophiogomphus westfalli is "LC", least concern, with no immediate threat to the species' survival. The population is stable.

General Info About Westfall's snaketail
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Attributes of Westfall's snaketail
Colors
Black
Green
Yellow
Gray
Habitat
highland; river
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths
Larva Food Source
Aquatic invertebrates, larval insects, small fish, tadpoles, amphibian larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Westfall's snaketail
Stable population
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Distribution Area of Westfall's snaketail
United States
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Life Cycle of Westfall's snaketail
Egg The westfall's snaketail begins as an egg, usually laid in water or on vegetation near water. The eggs are small and may vary in color depending on species.
Naiad Westfall's snaketail naiads are aquatic and predatory, resembling the adult in basic structure but lacking wings. They undergo several molts, growing larger and developing wing buds over time.
Adult The final molt reveals the winged adult westfall's snaketail. This stage features an elongated body, prominent eyes, and fully developed wings. Adults leave the aquatic environment, focusing on feeding, mating, and laying eggs.
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Interesting Facts About Westfall's snaketail
Westfall's snaketail larvae can remain underwater for up to four years before emerging as adults, relying on gill respiration.
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Scientific Classification of Westfall's snaketail
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Clubtails
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Tips for Finding Westfall's snaketail
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Youth Habitat of Westfall's snaketail
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Westfall's snaketail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats
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When is the Best Time to Observe Westfall's snaketail
The best time to find westfall's snaketail is during daylight hours, especially late morning and afternoon when they are most active. Adults are typically easier to spot on warm, sunny days.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Westfall's snaketail
Warm and sunny conditions with little to no wind are ideal for finding westfall's snaketail. They prefer such weather for flying and are less active on cool or overcast days.
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How and Where Can You Find Westfall's snaketail at Different Life Stages
Naiad Westfall's snaketail naiads are aquatic and can be found in rivers or streams, usually hiding under rocks or debris in the water. Searching in clear, unpolluted water by carefully turning over rocks and examining the underwater environment might yield sightings.
As westfall's snaketail develop, they remain aquatic and can still be found in the same environments as the naiad stage. Look for larger naiads as they approach the time for emergence, clinging to rocks or vegetation near the water's edge.
Adult During this stage, westfall's snaketail leave the water to undergo metamorphosis. They can often be found on rocks, vegetation, or other structures near water bodies. Spotting the shed exoskeletons (exuviae) can indicate recent emergence activity.
Once westfall's snaketail are adults, they can be spotted flying near the water or perched on vegetation. They are territorial and often return to the same perch, making it easier to find them if you remain still and watch for repeating flight patterns.
Are Westfall's snaketail harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Westfall's snaketail
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies
Westfall's snaketail is an impressive predator both in its naiad stage in water and as an adult. In water, the naiads, employ a unique labium to snatch passing prey. As adults, westfall's snaketail captures prey mid-flight with its acute vision and fast flight. Their predation is crucial for controlling pest populations, as well as maintaining ecological balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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