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Variable sentinel

Variable sentinel

Orchithemis pulcherrima

A species of Orchithemis

The scientific name Orchithemis pulcherrima was first validly published in 1878 by Brauer.

General Info About Variable sentinel
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Attributes of Variable sentinel
Colors
Brown
Red
White
Habitat
dark forest; forest stream; pool
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic larvae, small fish, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, other small aquatic insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Variable sentinel 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 Variable sentinel 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 Variable sentinel
It is found in Asia.
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Distribution Area of Variable sentinel
Malaysia
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Life Cycle of Variable sentinel
Egg After depositing, the eggs of the variable sentinel undergo a development phase where they transform into naiads while encapsulated. The size is minute, coloration is typically subdued, and they are immobile at this stage.
Naiad Hatching from the eggs, variable sentinel naiads resemble miniature adults sans wings. They undergo multiple molts, growing in size and acquiring features. Predacious, aquatically adapted with gills.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult variable sentinel's development is characterized by fully formed wings and reproductive organs. Their body hardens, color brightens, and they gain the ability to fly, focusing on mating and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Variable sentinel
3 - 3 cm
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Predators of Variable sentinel Larvae
Aquatic insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles
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Predators of Adult Variable sentinel
Birds, frogs, spiders, larger dragonflies, mantis
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Interesting Facts About Variable sentinel
Variable sentinel are able to fly backward, a unique skill not common among flying insects.
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Scientific Classification of Variable sentinel
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Variable sentinel
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Youth Habitat of Variable sentinel
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Variable sentinel
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Variable sentinel
People interested in locating variable sentinel typically do not use trap food, as variable sentinel are predatory creatures feeding on other insects. Instead, finding variable sentinel relies on understanding their habitats and behaviors.
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Habitat Preferences of Variable sentinel Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of variable sentinel typically occurs in aquatic environments, such as ponds or slow-moving streams, attached to submerged vegetation. naiads, also aquatic, can often be found in the same types of freshwater habitats, hiding within sediment or detritus. For the adult stage, search around the edges of these water bodies or in nearby open fields and meadows, where variable sentinel adults often perch on vegetation basking in the sun or hunting smaller insects.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Variable sentinel
The most suitable times to observe variable sentinel tend to be on sunny days, especially late mornings to early afternoons, when these creatures are most active and likely to be hunting or displaying territorial behaviors near bodies of freshwater.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Variable sentinel
Clear, warm, and calm weather conditions are ideal for finding variable sentinel, as they prefer environments that are not too windy or rainy, which can hinder their flight and hunting activities.
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How and Where Can You Find Variable sentinel at Different Life Stages
Egg Variable sentinel eggs are typically laid on aquatic vegetation or directly in water. Search for them around the edges of ponds, streams, or marshes, carefully inspecting the stems and leaves of plants that are partially submerged.
Naiad Variable sentinel naiads reside underwater clinging to submerged vegetation or hiding beneath debris on the bottom. To locate naiads, gently disturb the aquatic vegetation or sift through the bottom sediment near the edges of calm freshwater bodies.
Adult To find emerging variable sentinel, search around the margins of freshwater sources where vegetation is abundant during early summer mornings. Look for exuviae (cast skins) attached to plants or rocks at or above the waterline, indicating a recent emergence.
Adult variable sentinel are aerial and typically found near the habitats where they emerged. Locate them by visiting ponds, lakes, or areas with standing or slow-moving water. Adult variable sentinel can often be spotted perching on vegetation, darting over the water surface, or patrolling territories in mid-air. Observing during sunny weather can improve chances of sighting as they engage in flight and foraging.
Are Variable sentinel harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Variable sentinel
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Beetles
Variable sentinel employs remarkable hunting strategies as both naiad and adult. The naiad stage is submerged in water with an ambush predation technique, snapping up unsuspecting prey with their mask-like labium. As adults, they perform aerial acrobatics to catch flying pests. Variable sentinel consumes these pests to sustain itself, not just for survival, but also for energy-intense flights.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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