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Keeled skimmer

Keeled skimmer

Orthetrum coerulescens

A species of Skimmers, Also known as Keeled orthetrum

Keeled skimmer, with its distinctively slender body, predominantly adorns a powdery blue hue during maturity, presenting a stark contrast to the robust, brownish-yellow tone it exhibits in its juvenile phase. This agile aviator is a deft hunter, adept at catching prey mid-flight, its diet rich in flying insects. Its aquatic nymph stage bespeaks a different lifestyle, relying on underwater preys before undergoing a striking metamorphosis to take to the skies.

General Info About Keeled skimmer
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Attributes of Keeled skimmer
Colors
Brown
Black
Cyan
Habitat
stream; ditch; boggy area
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, small moths, flies, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, other invertebrate larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Keeled 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 Keeled 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 Keeled skimmer
It is common in central and southern Europe, marginally entering into Russia, and in North Africa. It is locally common in western Britain and Ireland.
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Distribution Area of Keeled skimmer
Europe
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Life Cycle of Keeled skimmer
Egg The keeled skimmer begins life as an egg, which is usually laid in or near water. The egg is tiny and initially colorless, changing color as it develops. Growth occurs inside the egg until the naiad is ready to hatch.
Naiad Once hatched, the keeled skimmer naiad resembles a miniature adult but without wings. The naiad is aquatic, voracious, and molts several times, growing larger and developing wing pads with each stage.
Subimago The keeled skimmer exits the water to molt for the final time. It clings to a substrate as its exoskeleton splits, allowing the adult form to emerge. This stage is a transformation period where wings expand and harden.
Adult As an adult, the keeled skimmer is characterized by a slender body, elongated wings, and the ability to fly. It is often brightly colored and sexually dimorphic. The adult keeled skimmer feeds, mates, and lays eggs, completing the life cycle.
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Adult Size of Keeled skimmer
4 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Keeled skimmer Larvae
Frogs, toads, fish, aquatic insects, water spiders
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Predators of Adult Keeled skimmer
Birds, spiders, wasps, mantises, other dragonflies, bats
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Interesting Facts About Keeled skimmer
Keeled skimmer can fly backwards, employing reverse thrust by angling their wings in the opposite direction of flight.
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Scientific Classification of Keeled skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Keeled skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Keeled skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Keeled skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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Habitat Preferences of Keeled skimmer Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of keeled skimmer are typically laid in still or slow-flowing water bodies, such as ponds or ditches. naiads, also known as naiads, reside under the water surface among aquatic plants, debris, and sediment, where they serve as predators. They prefer clear, unpolluted water. Searching for them involves gently sifting through the substrate or inspecting underwater plants. The adults favor warm, sunny areas and are usually found perched on vegetation, stones, or ground near water bodies. To spot the adult keeled skimmer, one might walk along the edges of lakes or streams on a warm day, paying close attention to resting spots with clear sun exposure.
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Beneficial Effects of Keeled skimmer
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Beetles
As a skilled hunter, keeled skimmer targets small flying insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Its exceptional eyesight and rapid flight allow it to snatch prey mid-air. The naiads, resembling little dragons, ambush or chase down aquatic preys. This predatory behavior is crucial for ecosystem balance and pest control.
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