Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa)
Place observed
Former golf course area
Description
It measures between 42 and 50 mm. In the adult stage, it has well defined black bands on a portion of the wings. In the males, white bands are added to the extremities. The abdomen of the female and the immature male has a central black line and yellow lines on the sides. The male's abdomen is dark and has a small whitish pubescence (down of fine hairs) on the dorsal side.
Habitat
This dragonfly likes ponds, puddles, lakes and streams. It is found in the United States and Canada in the following provinces: Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. Data indicates that it has been observed a few times in Rosemère in the area of the former golf course.
Breeding and feeding
Most dragonfly species lay their eggs on the surface of the water but some lay their eggs on aquatic vegetation. The larvae (naiads) always develop in the water over a period that can vary from a few months to 4 years depending on the species. They feed on flies, mosquitoes and other small insects and therefore play an important role in ecosystems. During their passage to the dragonfly stage, naiads leave their aquatic environment for their final molt. They attach themselves to a support to dry their body and wings, before finally taking flight. They spend most of their time flying and take advantage of this time to feed.
Status
Dragonflies are very sensitive to the quality of the water in which they live as larvae and are a good indicator of the health of freshwater ecosystems. Unfortunately, their population is declining and some species are becoming extinct. The loss and degradation of their habitat is probably to blame.
The Widow Skimmer is classified as a vulnerable species in Quebec according to the NatureServe organization which has been a reference source for data on biodiversity in North America for nearly 50 years.
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