Libellula incesta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Libellula incesta |
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Libellula
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| Species: |
incesta
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The slaty skimmer (scientific name: Libellula incesta) is a type of dragonfly. It belongs to the skimmer family, which is a group of dragonflies. You can find these fascinating insects in the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
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What is a Slaty Skimmer?
The slaty skimmer is a medium-sized dragonfly. Adult slaty skimmers are about 5.28 centimeters (about 2 inches) long. They are known for their distinct colors, which change as they grow.
What Do They Look Like?
- Male Slaty Skimmers: When male slaty skimmers become adults, they turn a dark blue color. Their heads are black, which makes them easy to spot.
- Female and Young Slaty Skimmers: Females and younger dragonflies look a bit different. They have brown bodies, called abdomens. You can also see a darker stripe running down their backs.
Where Do Slaty Skimmers Live?
Slaty skimmers are native to North America. They live in the eastern parts of the United States. You can also find them in Canada, specifically in the southern areas of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
Their Favorite Homes
Slaty skimmers love to live near water. Their young, called larvae, are very particular about where they live. They are found in the bottom (called the benthos) of permanent lakes. This means they need lakes that don't dry up.
Life Cycle of a Slaty Skimmer
Like all dragonflies, the slaty skimmer goes through different stages in its life. This is called a life cycle.
From Larva to Adult
Slaty skimmer larvae live underwater. They are very good at hiding in the mud and plants at the bottom of lakes. These larvae are important predators in their underwater world. They eat small aquatic insects and other tiny creatures.
When the larvae are ready, they climb out of the water. They shed their skin one last time to become adult dragonflies.
When Do Adults Fly?
Adult slaty skimmers fly during the warmer months. You can usually see them flying from June through August. During this time, they will mate and lay eggs, starting the life cycle all over again.
