Speckled skimmer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Speckled skimmer |
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Orthetrum balteatum is a cool freshwater dragonfly! It's part of a big family called Libellulidae, also known as the "skimmer" dragonflies. You can find this amazing insect flying around in northern Australia and New Guinea. Its common name is the speckled skimmer.
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Meet the Speckled Skimmer
The speckled skimmer is a medium-sized dragonfly. It has a striking look with a black body and bright yellow markings. Its sides are dark, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. Unlike some other dragonflies, its wings are completely clear, without any colored spots or patterns.
What is a Dragonfly?
Dragonflies are ancient insects that have been around for millions of years! They are known for their amazing flying skills and their beautiful, often colorful, bodies. Dragonflies belong to an order of insects called Odonata. This group also includes their close relatives, the damselflies.
Where Does the Speckled Skimmer Live?
The speckled skimmer loves warm, wet places. You can find it in northern Australia and New Guinea. These areas have lots of freshwater habitats like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Dragonflies need these watery places to lay their eggs and for their young to grow.
What Do Dragonflies Eat?
Dragonflies are super hunters! They are carnivores, meaning they eat other insects. They mostly catch and eat smaller flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths. They are very good at catching prey in mid-air thanks to their incredible speed and eyesight. This makes them helpful insects because they control pest populations.
The Life Cycle of a Dragonfly
Dragonflies have a fascinating life cycle that involves water.
- Eggs: A female dragonfly lays her eggs in or near water.
- Nymphs: The eggs hatch into larvae called nymphs. Dragonfly nymphs live underwater. They are also fierce predators, eating small aquatic insects and even tiny fish! They breathe through gills and can stay underwater for months or even years.
- Adults: When a nymph is ready, it crawls out of the water, often onto a plant stem. Its skin splits open, and the adult dragonfly emerges. It then dries its wings and flies off. Adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks or months, focusing on mating and laying eggs to start the cycle again.
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Female wings
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Male wings
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