Top-predator
Guides
Belostoma bakeri
giant water bug
Belostoma bakeri is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, described by Montandon in 1913. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Research at Montezuma Well, Arizona has established it as a significant top predator in fishless desert spring ecosystems, where it contributes substantially to secondary consumer production and trophic energy flow.
Cordulegaster erronea
tiger spiketail
Cordulegaster erronea, the tiger spiketail, is a large, uncommon dragonfly in the family Cordulegastridae. It is a habitat specialist requiring small, pristine, spring-fed forest streams with muck bottoms and overhanging vegetation. The species has a long larval period estimated at 3-4 years and a brief adult flight period of approximately 2-3 weeks in early summer. Radio-telemetry studies in New Jersey have revealed limited adult movement, with individuals typically remaining within 100-200 meters of natal streams and showing strong site fidelity.
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