Knowra Libellulidae Libellulidae Libellulidae is a large family of dragonflies, commonly called skimmers, found on every continent except Antarctica. Many species have broad, often patterned wings and perch with their wings spread.
Odonata : Odonata is the insect order comprising dragonflies and damselflies. Libellulidae is one of Odonata’s largest dragonfly families.
Dragonfly flight : Dragonfly flight uses independently controlled pairs of wings for hovering, rapid acceleration, and precise turns. Libellulids use agile flight to patrol territories and intercept flying prey.
Dragonfly migration : Dragonfly migration is seasonal or multigenerational movement between regions, sometimes involving millions of insects. Some libellulids, including globe skimmers, undertake exceptionally long migrations.
Aeshnidae : Aeshnidae is a family of large, fast-flying dragonflies, including darners and hawkers. Aeshnids are fellow dragonflies, often larger and more continuously airborne than skimmers.
Anisoptera : Anisoptera is the dragonfly suborder, whose adults generally hold their hindwings flat when resting. Libellulidae belongs to this dragonfly suborder, distinct from damselflies.
Odonate egg-laying : Odonate egg-laying is the placement of eggs in or near water, often by tapping or dipping the abdomen. Female skimmers deposit eggs in aquatic habitats where their nymphs can develop.
Globe skimmer : The globe skimmer is a highly migratory dragonfly, Pantala flavescens, found across tropical and subtropical regions. This libellulid is a striking case of long-distance movement across oceans.
Gomphidae : Gomphidae is a dragonfly family commonly called clubtails, named for the widened ends of many adults’ abdomens. Clubtails provide a contrasting dragonfly family with a distinctive abdominal shape.
Dragonfly : A dragonfly is a predatory insect in the suborder Anisoptera, with large eyes and two pairs of strong wings. Skimmers are dragonflies, sharing the group’s flight and predatory body plan.
Dragonfly metamorphosis : Dragonfly metamorphosis is incomplete development from egg through aquatic nymphal stages to a winged adult. Skimmers transform from aquatic predators into aerial adults without a pupal stage.
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