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Red sprite

Red sprite

Pseudagrion pilidorsum

A species of Pseudagrion

Adorned with a striking blue and black exoskeleton, red sprite dazzles observers with its remarkable agility in flight. Active predominantly during daylight, it flutters near water sources, performing intricate aerial maneuvers to snatch prey from the air. Its compound eyes provide exceptional vision, crucial for detecting movement, which assists in its predatory lifestyle. As a nymph, red sprite exhibits an aquatic existence, developing through several instars before metamorphosis grants it wings and a life airborne.

General Info About Red sprite
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Attributes of Red sprite
Colors
Black
Red
White
Habitat
Freshwater
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, moths, butterflies, other small insects
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, small aquatic insects, daphnia (water fleas), tadpoles, worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Red sprite typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Red sprite
Indian
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Life Cycle of Red sprite
Egg The egg stage for red sprite is marked by a typically oval or round shape. The size is very small, and the color is often cryptic to avoid predation. Eggs are laid in or near water sources since red sprite are aquatic in the immature stages.
Naiad During the naiad stage, red sprite are aquatic, lack wings, and undergo several molts growing larger with each stage. They are voracious predators with extendable mouthparts for catching prey. The color may vary, camouflaging with their environment.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, adult red sprite have elongated bodies, two pairs of wings, and vivid colors for mating displays. The adults are highly mobile, engaging in flight to hunt and find mates. Their primary focus is on reproduction, and they do not undergo any further molting.
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Predators of Red sprite Larvae
Aquatic insects, fish, tadpoles, newts
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Predators of Adult Red sprite
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, dragonflies
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Scientific Classification of Red sprite
Tips for Finding Red sprite
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Adult Habitat of Red sprite
Freshwater Habitats, Forest and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Wetlands
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Habitat Preferences of Red sprite Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of red sprite are aquatic, commonly found in still or slow-flowing freshwater habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and calm river edges with abundant vegetation. These naiads often cling to submerged plants or debris. Searching for naiads would involve careful inspection of underwater plants or sifting through pond substrate. Adult red sprite are usually found in areas adjacent to their naiad habitats but also venture into gardens and fields in search of prey. To observe adults, look around the edges of water bodies, especially on reeds or grasses where they perch and hunt for small insects.
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How and Where Can You Find Red sprite at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of red sprite are typically laid in or near water bodies. Search for eggs on submerged vegetation, such as the leaves or stems of aquatic plants. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for small, cylindrical or spherical structures often arranged in rows or clusters.
Naiad Red sprite naiads are aquatic and can be found in ponds, streams, or calm areas of rivers. Look for them by gently sifting through the bottom sediment with a fine net or by examining submerged rocks and plants for these small, mobile, predatory naiads.
Adult The emergence of red sprite from their naiadl stage takes place near water bodies. Seek out areas with reeds, grasses, or sticks protruding from the water, as they provide support for emerging red sprite. Early morning hours are ideal to spot the exuviae (shed skins) attached to vegetation or structures near water.
Adult red sprite can be spotted in flight or resting on vegetation near water bodies during warm and sunny days. To find them, walk slowly along the edges of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, scanning for their distinctive, darting flight patterns or look for them perched on plants, often with wings held together above their bodies.
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Beneficial Effects of Red sprite
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Small Aquatic Invertebrates
Red sprite are known for their predatory behavior both as naiads and adults. Their aquatic naiads, with their extendable jaw-like mouthparts, are adept at snagging mosquito larvae and small aquatic invertebrates. As adults, they catch prey on the wing, using their exceptional flying abilities and precision. The predation of red sprite is crucial for controlling pest populations around water bodies.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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