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Blue skimmer

Blue skimmer

Orthetrum caledonicum

A species of Skimmers

Males have a powder blue thorax and abdomen pruinescent blue when mature. The females are brownish grey in colour while the teneral are yellow with black markings. They are medium in size, with a body length of 5 cm and a wingspan of 8 cm.

General Info About Blue skimmer
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Attributes of Blue skimmer
Colors
Black
Yellow
Cyan
Habitat
temporary water
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Blue 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 Blue 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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Life Cycle of Blue skimmer
Egg Eggs are laid in water or on vegetation near water. They are tiny and may display color variations that assist in camouflage. Over time, they increase in size until the naiad inside is ready to hatch.
Naiad After hatching, the naiad is aquatic and predatory. It has a distinct elongate body, lacking wings, and exhibits gradual growth through molting. Coloration varies but tends to blend with the aquatic environment.
Adult The final molt reveals the adult blue skimmer, which now has fully developed wings and reproductive structures. The adult's coloration is typically brighter and more defined than the nymph's. Size is considerably larger, and behavior shifts to aerial feeding and mating.
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Adult Size of Blue skimmer
4.5 cm
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Predators of Blue skimmer Larvae
Frogs, toads, aquatic insects, fish
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Predators of Adult Blue skimmer
Birds, spiders, other dragonflies, frogs
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Interesting Facts About Blue skimmer
Blue skimmer can fly backwards, a rare ability that adds to their aerial agility during hunting or when avoiding predators.
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Scientific Classification of Blue skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Blue skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Blue skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Blue skimmer Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of blue skimmer are laid in aquatic environments, such as ponds or slow-moving streams, often on submerged vegetation. As naiads, they inhabit the benthic zones of these waters, hiding in debris or sediment. To find the naiads, one must search along the muddy bottoms of these water bodies. Adult blue skimmer are typically found in areas adjacent to their aquatic breeding sites. They prefer open, sunny locations with perches like reeds or twigs available, where they can be spotted resting or hunting for small insects to feed on.
Are Blue skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Blue 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
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths
Blue skimmer, in both its naiad (aquatic larval) and adult stages, is an effective predator known for its voracious appetite for flying insects. With exceptional flying agility and powerful vision, blue skimmer captures prey mid-flight, using spiky legs to ensnare and consume them on the wing. This predator's hunting prowess significantly controls pests, naturally maintaining the ecological balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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