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Kirby's dropwing

Kirby's dropwing

Trithemis kirbyi

A species of Dropwings, Also known as Scarlet rock glider

The spotted sun pointer (Trithemis kirbyi) is a dragonfly species from the family of the dragonflies (Libellulidae). Two subspecies are described. The nominate subspecies occurs in India and Sri Lanka, while the insufficiently defined taxon Trithemis kirbyi ardens occurs in the rest of the distribution area, which mainly includes Africa.

General Info About Kirby's dropwing
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Attributes of Kirby's dropwing
Colors
Brown
Black
Red
Habitat
forest; wetland; shrubland; savanna
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, small moths
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae of other insects, tadpoles, zooplankton, aquatic worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Kirby's dropwing is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Kirby's dropwing
It is found in Africa, India and South Asia.
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Distribution Area of Kirby's dropwing
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, ect.
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Appearance of Kirby's dropwing
The adult male abdomen measures 21–24 mm and hind wing 24–27 mm. Female abdomen measures 23 mm and hind wing 26–30 mm. The male is a medium-sized scarlet dragonfly with a broad reddish amber patch on the base of transparent wings. The female is similar to the male, but duller in color. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical streams and rivers. It breeds in marshes, ponds, and lakes, and prefers to perch on exposed rocks, dry areas, and boulders in riverbeds.
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How to Identify Kirby's dropwing?

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Predators of Kirby's dropwing Larvae
Frogs and toads, waterfowl, fish, predaceous diving beetles, water spiders, other dragonfly larvae
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Predators of Adult Kirby's dropwing
Birds, spiders, frogs and toads, bats, mantises, larger species of dragonflies
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Interesting Facts About Kirby's dropwing
Kirby's dropwing exhibits impressive visual acuity, using its nearly 360-degree field of vision to detect and intercept prey mid-air with remarkable precision.
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Scientific Classification of Kirby's dropwing
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Skimmers
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Tips for Finding Kirby's dropwing
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Youth Habitat of Kirby's dropwing
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Kirby's dropwing
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Kirby's dropwing
Adult kirby's dropwing primarily feed on flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects, which are good bait for traps. The naiads are aquatic predators eating small fish, tadpoles, or aquatic invertebrates.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Kirby's dropwing
Calm, warm, and sunny weather is most suitable for spotting adult kirby's dropwing, as windy or rainy conditions can reduce their activity. For naiads, any non-turbulent weather condition is suitable as they are underwater.
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How and Where Can You Find Kirby's dropwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of kirby's dropwing are laid on vegetation near the water's surface or directly into the water. Finding them involves carefully observing plant stems and leaves near or on water bodies for small, cylindrical, or oval eggs.
Naiad Naiads of kirby's dropwing are aquatic and can be found in ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams. Look for them by gently disturbing underwater vegetation or stones in shallow water and use a fine net to catch them.
Adult During the teneral stage, when kirby's dropwing emerge from their naiadal exuvia and are still soft and pale, they can be found near their aquatic breeding sites, resting on nearby vegetation. Approach them slowly as they are vulnerable and less likely to fly away.
Adult kirby's dropwing can be found perched on vegetation, usually near water. They are most visible when they are basking in the sun or hunting for prey. You can spot them by walking along the edges of water bodies and looking for their distinct wing patterns and colors.
Are Kirby's dropwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Kirby's dropwing
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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, Small Flying Insects
Kirby's dropwing is a voracious predator, adept at catching smaller flying insects mid-air using its exceptional speed and agility. In both the naiad and adult stages, kirby's dropwing consumes a significant number of pests, which makes it an important biological control agent in its habitat. Especially known for hunting mosquitoes, kirby's dropwing helps in controlling their populations, thereby reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
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