Corporals
Ladona
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Ladona
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ladona: /ləˈdoʊ.nə/
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Images
Summary
Ladona is a genus of dragonflies known as Corporals, characterized by their stocky shape and distinctive coloration. They are commonly found in North America and worldwide, being part of the family Libellulidae, which is the largest family of dragonflies.
Physical Characteristics
Distinctive stocky body shape with conspicuous shoulder stripes in females and non-pruinescent males.
Identification Tips
Look for the pronounced shoulder stripes that resemble military insignia; best identified by observing perching behavior and habitat.
Habitat
Permanent ponds and nearby forest areas; often seen perching on leaf litter or large flat surfaces away from water.
Distribution
Worldwide, with six species identified; three species are found in North America (deplanata, exusta, julia).
Diet
Adult dragonflies primarily consume other flying insects; larvae are aquatic and predatory.
Life Cycle
The lifecycle includes an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial adult stage.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs in permanent ponds; adults emerge early in the season, starting in late March to early April in specific regions.
Ecosystem Role
As both predator and prey, they play a crucial role in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Cultural Significance
The name 'Corporal' is derived from the similarity of female and male markings to military insignia.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Ladona
- dragonfly
- Odonata
- Libellulidae
- Corporal
- North America