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Pied skimmer

Pied skimmer

Pseudothemis zonata

A species of Pseudothemis

The species is on the Red List of the IUCN as not endangered, year of assessment 2007, the trend of the population is stable according to the IUCN.

General Info About Pied skimmer
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Attributes of Pied skimmer
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
pond; lake
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, smaller dragonflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, aquatic larvae, tadpoles, small fish, zooplankton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Pied 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 Pied 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 Pied skimmer
It is distributed in China, Japan, North Korea and Vietnam.
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Distribution Area of Pied skimmer
China, Japan
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Life Cycle of Pied skimmer
Egg The eggs of pied skimmer are typically laid on or near water. They are rounded or elongated, often with a gelatinous covering, and are usually darker in color to blend in with their aquatic environment.
Naiad As naiads, pied skimmer live in water, moult several times as they grow. They lack wings and resemble the adult in basic structure. The naiads are predatory, with extendable mouthparts they use to capture prey.
Adult Emerging from the final moult, the adult pied skimmer has wings and is sexually mature. It exhibits a slender body with distinctive coloration for mating displays. The adult focuses on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Pied skimmer
4 cm
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Predators of Pied skimmer Larvae
Frogs and toads, birds, fish, aquatic insects (such as beetles and other dragonfly larvae)
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Predators of Adult Pied skimmer
Birds, spiders, frogs and toads, mantises, other dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Pied skimmer
Pied skimmer can capture prey nearly their own size thanks to their powerful and agile flight capabilities.
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Scientific Classification of Pied skimmer
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Pied skimmer
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Youth Habitat of Pied skimmer
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Pied skimmer
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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Habitat Preferences of Pied skimmer Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of pied skimmer are aquatic, typically inhabiting still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and ditches rich in aquatic vegetation that offers ample hiding spots from predators. Searching for these can involve gently sweeping a net within the vegetation or turning over submerged leaves. Adult pied skimmer, having undergone metamorphosis, are commonly airborne near the edges of the same water bodies, often seen perching on nearby vegetation, or patrolling the water's surface. To spot adults, one would have to visit these habitats on warm, sunny days, standing still and observing the perches or flight paths frequently used by the dragonflies.
Are Pied skimmer harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Pied 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, Beetles, Butterflies, Moths
Pied skimmer is an accomplished predator both in its aquatic naiad stage and as an aerial adult. Naiads hunt in freshwater, ambushing unsuspecting prey, while adults catch their food on the wing, using their exceptional flying skills and keen eyesight. This predatory behavior helps control pest populations and contributes to ecological balance.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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