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Banded skimmer

Banded skimmer

Pseudothemis jorina

A species of Pseudothemis

Darting agilely over freshwater systems, banded skimmer is distinguished by its vibrant, metallic coloration, which can range through shades of red, blue to green depending on the angle of light. As a larva, this creature is fully aquatic and a voracious predator, relying on its extendable lower lip to snatch prey. Upon reaching maturity, it exhibits a remarkable transformation called metamorphosis and takes to the air on elongated, veined wings, continuing its predatory lifestyle by hunting smaller flying insects in a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics.

General Info About Banded skimmer
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Attributes of Banded skimmer
Habitat
Tree-lined weedy pond; lake
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, small beetles
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, tadpoles, zooplankton, small fish, larvae of other insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
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Species Status of Banded skimmer
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Banded skimmer
Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, ​Vietnam
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Life Cycle of Banded skimmer
Egg The eggs of banded skimmer are laid in water or on aquatic plants. They are small and typically oval, changing slightly in color as the embryo develops within.
Naiad The naiad of banded skimmer gradually transforms through multiple instars, each larger and more developed than the last. naiads are aquatic, predatory, and lack wings, which distinguishes them from adults.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, adult banded skimmer has long, slender bodies and wings that reflect vibrant colors. They are strong fliers and become sexually mature soon after their final molt, focusing on mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Banded skimmer Larvae
Aquatic insects, fish, amphibians, water birds
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Scientific Classification of Banded skimmer
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Banded skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Banded skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Banded skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Banded skimmer
People do not typically use trap food to find banded skimmer as they are predatory creatures that feed on live prey such as small insects while on the wing.
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Habitat Preferences of Banded skimmer Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of banded skimmer can be found attached to aquatic vegetation or simply dropped into the water by the female as she flies over. The naiads, or naiads, reside in the mud or debris at the bottom of bodies of fresh water, like ponds or slow-moving streams, where they hunt small aquatic organisms. To witness banded skimmer's naiads, one must carefully sift through the underwater sediment. As they mature into adults, banded skimmer can be seen around the edges of the same waters, perched on vegetation or darting through the air as they catch prey. To find adult banded skimmer, simply visit sunlit, still or slow-flowing water bodies where they frequently hunt and mate.
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How and Where Can You Find Banded skimmer at Different Life Stages
Egg Banded skimmer eggs are usually laid in or near water. To find them, search around the edges of ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams, looking for eggs attached to submerged vegetation or debris.
Naiad Banded skimmer naiads develop underwater. Look for them by carefully examining the substrate and aquatic plants in shallow water. They are often well-camouflaged, so search attentively.
Adult To find banded skimmer during their emergence, search waterside vegetation in the early morning. This is when they transform to adults and can be seen resting on plants as their wings dry and harden.
Banded skimmer adults are most often seen flying over bodies of water or perching on vegetation, twigs, or other surfaces nearby. They can be found by walking slowly along the edges of water bodies and observing for their characteristic flight or watching for them as they perch.
Are Banded skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Banded 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, Aquatic Insects
Banded skimmer thrives by patrolling its territory over freshwater bodies, skillfully snagging airborne prey with impressive maneuverability. Its aquatic naiad, equally voracious, hunt by ambushing unsuspecting aquatic creatures. This adept predator serves a critical role in controlling mosquito populations, thereby reducing potential disease vectors.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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