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White-tailed skimmer

White-tailed skimmer

Orthetrum albistylum

A species of Skimmers

Orthetrum albistylum is a dragonfly species, which occurs from central and south Europe to China and Japan. Its distribution is often patchy but in many areas it is common. The species has recently spread its range northwards to the Baltic Sea coast in Poland. The common name for this species is white-tailed skimmer. One of the ongoing threats affecting the habitat of Orthetrum albistylum is the production of crops. The water pollution associated with crop production is also having a direct effect on the quality of the habitat of this species.

General Info About White-tailed skimmer
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Attributes of White-tailed skimmer
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Habitat
Intermittent stream; residual pond; fish pond; quarry; sandpit; shallow pond; peaty pond
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic insects, larval tadpoles, small fish, zooplankton, other smaller dragonfly nymphs
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The White-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
Predatory
The White-tailed skimmer 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 White-tailed skimmer
Common
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Distribution Area of White-tailed skimmer
Central and south Europe, China, Japan
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Life Cycle of White-tailed skimmer
Egg Deposited in water, eggs of white-tailed skimmer hatch into aquatic nymphs. They lack wings and resemble small adults, possessing a voracious appetite for waterborne prey.
Naiad The naiad of white-tailed skimmer undergoes multiple molts, gradually increasing in size. Its coloration is typically drab, and it is a formidable aquatic predator, blending into its surroundings.
Adult Emerging from the naiad skin, the adult white-tailed skimmer develops long, slender wings and vivid body colors. It is highly mobile, seeking mates and preying on airborne insects.
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Predators of White-tailed skimmer Larvae
Fish, tadpoles, water beetles, backswimmer, diving beetles, other predatory aquatic insects
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Predators of Adult White-tailed skimmer
Birds, frogs, spiders, mantis, bats, other larger dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About White-tailed skimmer
Remarkably, adult white-tailed skimmer can regulate their body temperature by changing wing positions, an uncommon trait in the insect world.
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Scientific Classification of White-tailed skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding White-tailed skimmer
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Youth Habitat of White-tailed skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of White-tailed skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract White-tailed skimmer
Since white-tailed skimmer are predatory insects, they do not respond to bait in the way some animals do. However, one might find them by looking for their prey, such as smaller insects which they feed on.
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Habitat Preferences of White-tailed skimmer Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of white-tailed skimmer are laid in water, where they develop into naiads that inhabit ponds or slow-moving streams with plenty of submerged vegetation. To locate the eggs or naiads, search aquatic habitats, inspecting submerged plants and debris. Adult white-tailed skimmer are typically found in open areas near these water sources, often perching on vegetation, rocks, or ground. To observe adults, visit nearby sunny spots with clearings or edges of water bodies, where they hunt for prey and mate. During their emergence period, it’s best to search for them in the morning when newly emerged adults are drying their wings on vegetation around the water.
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When is the Best Time to Observe White-tailed skimmer
The best time to find adult white-tailed skimmer is often on sunny days when they are most active, typically from late morning to early afternoon. For their earlier stages, such as naiads, time is less of a factor than finding the right aquatic habitat.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe White-tailed skimmer
Warm and sunny weather is ideal for spotting adult white-tailed skimmer, as they require warmth for flight. Wet, overcast, or cool conditions can make them less active or harder to find.
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How and Where Can You Find White-tailed skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg White-tailed skimmer eggs are typically laid on or near water bodies. To find them, search the edges of ponds, lakes, or streams for vegetation where white-tailed skimmer might deposit eggs.
Naiad White-tailed skimmer naiads are aquatic. Search in shallow water along the edges of ponds or streams, looking under rocks or leaf litter where they might be hiding.
Adult As white-tailed skimmer transition from naiad to adult, they emerge from the water. Look for them on vegetation, rocks, or other structures near water bodies where they can climb to undergo metamorphosis.
White-tailed skimmer adults are often found around water bodies but can also venture into gardens or fields. Look for them perched atop plants or in flight hunting for prey, especially on sunny days. It's also useful to spot them as they return to water for mating or laying eggs.
Are White-tailed skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of White-tailed skimmer
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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
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Butterflies
White-tailed skimmer is a skillful hunter, both as a naiad living in water and as a flying adult. In its aquatic naiad stage, it is a voracious predator of aquatic insects, including mosquito larvae. As an adult, white-tailed skimmer captures various flying insects mid-air using its exceptional speed and agility. This predation is vital for its survival, ensuring white-tailed skimmer remains a significant player in controlling pest populations.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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