Wandering Glider
Pantala flavescens
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Pantala
- Species: flavescens
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pantala flavescens: /pænˈtɑːlə fləˈvɛsəns/
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Images
Summary
Pantala flavescens, known as the globe skimmer or wandering glider, is one of the most widespread dragonflies on Earth, renowned for its long migratory journeys spanning thousands of kilometers. This dragonfly exhibits various physical characteristics, adaptations to different environments, and notable behavioral traits that contribute to its survival and reproductive success.
Physical Characteristics
The adult dragonfly reaches up to 4.5 cm in length with wingspans between 7.2 cm and 8.4 cm. The front side of the head is yellowish to reddish, and the thorax is usually yellow to golden with dark lines, though brown and olive specimens are also found. The abdomen shares similar coloration. The wings are broad at the base and clear, with variations in wing color including olive, brown, and yellow. Females have a less pronounced reddish color on the abdomen than males, who exhibit golden yellow patches at the base of the hindwings.
Identification Tips
Males are characterized by a reddish yellow abdomen marked with black and golden yellow patches on the hindwings, while females lack this reddish wash and apical brown patches. Be aware of similar species such as Pantala hymenaea, which has a brown basal fleck in the hindwing.
Habitat
Commonly found near ponds, lakes, and other temporary water bodies, as well as in open areas and paddy fields.
Distribution
Pantala flavescens has a widespread global distribution found on every continent except Antarctica, but it is rare in Europe. It migrates extensively between regions, often arriving with rain in tropical and subtropical areas.
Diet
The larvae are predatory and consume aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae, small shrimps, tadpoles, and small fish. The adult dragonflies primarily feed on small flying insects, including mosquitoes, swarming flying ants, and termites.
Life Cycle
Larvae develop over a span of 38 to 65 days. The life cycle involves reproduction in temporary water bodies, with females laying 500 to 2000 eggs after mating, which occurs without elaborate courtship rituals.
Reproduction
Females may mate multiple times but usually only once per day. After mating, the female oviposits while still connected to the male, producing a clutch of eggs in suitable aquatic environments.
Conservation Status
NatureServe conservation status G5, indicating it is secure and common worldwide. In Canada, it has an N4 status, suggesting it is apparently secure but with some long-term concerns.
Ecosystem Role
As both a predator and prey in its ecosystem, Pantala flavescens contributes to controlling populations of aquatic invertebrates and serves as prey for various birds and larger predators.
Cultural Significance
The globe skimmer holds various common names across cultures, including the 'typhoon dragonfly' in Hong Kong and 'yellow dragonfly with delicate wings' in Japan, reflecting its migratory patterns and visibility during seasonal rains.
Collecting Methods
- Net capture near water bodies
- Light trapping during migration
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinning for display
Evolution
Pantala flavescens exhibits a gene pool that reflects its extensive migratory behavior, leading to genetic drift in isolated populations, particularly those on remote islands.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Commonly mistaken for other dragonfly species, particularly Pantala hymenaea and Tramea, highlighting the importance of distinguishing characteristics such as wing markings.
Tags
- dragonfly
- migratory
- widespread
- Pantala flavescens