Dragonfly larvae diet11/9/2023 ![]() ![]() They can detect colour, ultraviolet light, and can determine the polarisation of light which may be useful in identifying the reflective surfaces of water. The field of view covers almost 360° with only a blind spot caused by the obstruction of the thorax and abdomen. VisionĪll Odonata have excellent vision dragonflies notably have very large eyes, the largest of the insect world. Hunting other insects on the wing, they do not eat carrion or vegetation, although there are occasional reports of both. Once the aquatic larval phase ends, adult dragonflies and damselflies leave the water and take to the air, where they are excellent and acrobatic flyers. By contrast a human blink lasts on average 100-150 milliseconds. Once captured, the labium is drawn back towards the head, and the nymph will devour its prey using a set of powerful mandibles that can easily deal with the flesh of fish and tough Cuticles of insects. The nymph extends the labium very rapidly to seize its prey, taking only 15-40 milliseconds to snatch its victim with its pincers before they can react and escape. In this position, the labium may cover the front of the head giving it the appearance of a mask, hence its common name. The labium is long and terminated with two pincers at rest it is folded it beneath the head and thorax. ![]() The labium of dragonflies and damselflies is a distinctive feature and is used in a way that is unique to Odonata. Once their victim is selected, the nymph uses a specialised adaptation of their mouthparts called the Labium, or mask, to capture their prey. Species that inhabit clear running water favour visual strategies, and in murky waters the bottom dwelling species rely more on tactile strategies, sensing prey by using their antennae and the fine hair-like structures that cover their body. Other species though are more active stalkers and use a combination of stealth and speed to overcome their victims.Įither strategy may utilise visual or tactile methods of finding their food. Keeping very still and using their antennae and fine sensory hairs ( Setae) that cover their body to detect their victim, they capture it using their labium. ![]() Most are ambush hunters they rely on cryptic or camouflage colouring to remain undetected as their prey passes unawares. Nymphs aren’t fussy eaters, and they may be cannibalistic and eat other Odonata nymphs too. Larger dragonfly larvae may tackle prey as large as a Stickleback. Typical food sources are other aquatic insects and larvae: mosquitos, worms, beetles, tadpoles and small fish may all be taken. Nymphs are aggressive hunters, and will eat almost anything that is smaller than themselves that they can overcome. Odonata nymphs live in the sediments at the bottom of ponds, lakes, and rivers, and eat other water dwellers. ![]()
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