Rainpool Gliders

Pantala

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Suborder: Anisoptera
Family: Libellulidae
Genus: Pantala

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pantala: /pænˈtɑːlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pantala flavescens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pantala hymenaea by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pantala flavescens-Kadavoor-2017-05-04-002 by
Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pantala hymenaea 268136936 by John Rosford. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Spot-winged Glider - Pantala hymenaea - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Pantala flavescens, known as the globe skimmer or wandering glider, is a highly migratory dragonfly species recognized for its extensive migratory journeys and world-wide distribution. It is characterized by distinctive coloration and behaviors that allow it to thrive in diverse environments.

Physical Characteristics

The globe skimmer is up to 4.5 cm long with a wingspan between 7.2 cm and 8.4 cm. The head is yellowish to reddish, and the thorax is typically yellow to golden with dark markings. The abdomen is similar in color to the thorax. The wings are clear, broad at the base, and may show various colors including olive and brown. Males have a reddish-yellow abdomen with black markings and golden yellow patches on the hindwings, while females lack the reddish abdomen wash and the brown patches on their wings. Larvae are light green with purple speckles, measuring 24-26 mm long, with distinctive eye and body structures.

Identification Tips

Pantala flavescens can be confused with P. hymenaea, which has a brown basal fleck in the hindwing and is generally darker in color. It can be distinguished from members of the genus Tramea by the absence of a stripe on their hindwings.

Habitat

Pantala flavescens is often found in open, moist environments such as paddy fields, playgrounds, and other open areas.

Distribution

This species has a cosmopolitan distribution, found on all continents except Antarctica and is especially common around the 40th parallels of latitude, extending northward to about the 50th parallel in North America.

Diet

The larvae are predatory, feeding on aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae and small fish, while adults primarily eat small flying insects like mosquitoes, flying ants, and termites.

Life Cycle

The larvae develop in 38 to 65 days. Females may mate multiple times a day and lay 500 to 2000 eggs in tandem with males. Larvae can thrive in temporary waters, including swimming pools.

Reproduction

No distinct courtship ritual exists; females oviposit while in tandem with males. Eggs are spheroid, measuring about 0.5 mm in semi-major axis.

Conservation Status

G5 (secure) worldwide; in the US, it has a national equivalent protection status of N5, while in Canada it is N4 (apparently secure).

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, both larvae and adult Pantala flavescens play significant roles in their ecosystems by controlling populations of small insects and aquatic invertebrates.

Cultural Significance

The species is recognized in various cultures with common names reflecting its migratory behavior, such as 'wandering glider' in English and 'typhoon dragonfly' in Hong Kong due to its seasonal appearance before rains.

Evolution

Genes from global populations suggest Pantala flavescens is creating a worldwide gene pool through its extensive migratory behavior.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some records of Pantala flavescens in Europe may actually originate from imports, as its sightings are considered doubtful in regions like England and France due to geographical barriers.