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White-faced meadowhawk

White-faced meadowhawk

Sympetrum obtrusum

A species of Darters

Adult males are identifiable by a distinctive pure white face and red bodies.

General Info About White-faced meadowhawk
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Attributes of White-faced meadowhawk
Colors
Black
Yellow
Red
Habitat
forest; wetland
Adult Food Sources
Flies, mosquitoes, small beetles, moths, other small flying insects
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, zooplankton, tadpoles, mosquito larvae, small fish
Non-poisonous
The White-faced meadowhawk 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 White-faced meadowhawk 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 White-faced meadowhawk
It is found in the northern United States and southern Ontario.
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Distribution Area of White-faced meadowhawk
Northern United States, southern Canada
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Appearance of White-faced meadowhawk
Adult males are identifiable by a distinctive pure white face and red bodies.
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How to Identify White-faced meadowhawk?

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Life Cycle of White-faced meadowhawk
Egg The white-faced meadowhawk begins life as an egg, usually laid on or near water surfaces. The eggs are small and may be colored to blend with the environment to avoid predation.
Naiad As naiads, white-faced meadowhawk are aquatic and predatory. They exhibit gradual growth, repeatedly shedding their exoskeleton. They lack wings but have developing wing pads, and their coloration typically reflects their habitat.
Adult Emerging from the final nymph stage, adult white-faced meadowhawk acquire wings and display sexual dimorphism. The adults are larger, more vividly colored, and are terrestrial, but stay close to water for mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of White-faced meadowhawk
3 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of White-faced meadowhawk Larvae
Amphibians such as frogs and toads, aquatic insects like larger dragonfly larvae, fishes, birds
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Scientific Classification of White-faced meadowhawk
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Genus
Darters
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Tips for Finding White-faced meadowhawk
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Adult Habitat of White-faced meadowhawk
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of White-faced meadowhawk Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of white-faced meadowhawk are typically laid in water, attached to aquatic plants or substrate. After hatching, the naiads, also known as naiads, live in various aquatic environments, including ponds, marshes, and still sections of streams and rivers, where they are predators of other small aquatic organisms. As they mature, these naiads climb onto vegetation to undergo their final molt into adulthood. The adults are often found in areas adjacent to their naiad habitats, including fields, meadows, and gardens, where they hunt for flying insects and mate. To locate all stages of white-faced meadowhawk, one would search along the edges of freshwater bodies for the eggs and naiads, and within nearby terrestrial habitats with sufficient vegetation for the adults.
Are White-faced meadowhawk harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of White-faced meadowhawk
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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
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths, Butterflies, Flying Insects
White-faced meadowhawk is an adept aerial predator, executing agile maneuvers to capture flying insects midair. The hunting techniques of white-faced meadowhawk involve perceptive eyesight and swift flight to outmaneuver prey, often consuming them on the fly. This insect preys on pests primarily to sustain itself, showcasing a voracious appetite particularly during its active periods.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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