Shadow Darner

Aeshna umbrosa is a dragonfly species with a wingspan of up to 8 cm. It has a brownish-black body with yellow stripes and a yellow-green thorax. It is found in wetlands, ponds, and slow-moving streams, and is most active during the day. Its lifespan is typically one to two years, and its current population is stable.

Name Origin: Aeshna umbrosa is a species of dragonfly commonly known as the Shadow Darner. It was first described by the German entomologist Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1820. The genus name Aeshna is derived from the Greek word for 'an eagle', referring to the dragonfly's predatory habits. The species name umbrosa is derived from the Latin word for 'shadow', referring to the dragonfly's dark coloration.

Related Species: Aeshna affinis, Aeshna caerulea, Aeshna cyanea, Aeshna grandis, Aeshna juncea, Aeshna mixta, Aeshna palmata, Aeshna subarctica

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insect

Order: Odonata

Family: Aeshnidae

Genus: Odonata

Species: Dragonfly

Aeshna umbrosa lives in shallow, still waters with plenty of vegetation. They prefer areas with plenty of sunlight and a sandy or muddy bottom. They can be found in ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They are often seen near the shoreline, where they can find food and shelter. They are also found in areas with other aquatic insects, such as dragonflies, damselflies, and mayflies. They are an important part of the food chain, providing food for fish, birds, and other animals.

Native country: Europe, Asia.

Native continent: They are found mainly in Europe.

Other organisms found in habitat: Dragonflies, Damselflies, Frogs, Fish, Aquatic Plants, Algae, Insects

Appearance Summary: Aeshna umbrosa is a dragonfly species with a distinctive black and yellow pattern on its body. It has a yellow thorax with a black stripe down the middle, and its abdomen is black with yellow spots. Its wings are transparent and have a yellow-brown tint. Its eyes are large and green, and its legs are yellow. It has a long, slender body and can reach up to 4.5 cm in length.

Facial description: Aeshna umbrosa has a large, brownish-green head with a yellowish-brown thorax and abdomen. Its eyes are large and bulging, with a distinctive yellowish-brown stripe running down the center of each eye. Its antennae are long and thin, and its mouthparts are short and curved. Its wings are brownish-green with yellowish-brown veins. Its legs are long and thin, and its abdomen has a yellowish-brown stripe running down the center.

What are the distinct features of Shadow Darner? Large size, green eyes, brown and yellow stripes on thorax, brown and yellow stripes on abdomen, brown and yellow stripes on wings, brown and yellow stripes on legs, brown and yellow stripes on antennae, no vocalizations, territorial behavior, aggressive behavior, perching on vegetation, flying in short bursts

What makes them unique?

Shadow Darner body color description: Brown, green, and black

skin type: The Aeshna umbrosa has a smooth, glossy exterior with a metallic green sheen. Its wings are transparent and delicate, with a pattern of brown and yellow stripes.

Strengths: Camouflage, Flight, Reproductive Capacity, Adaptability, Resilience

Weaknesses: Low reproductive rate, Limited dispersal ability, Low genetic diversity, Susceptible to environmental changes, Dependence on specific habitat conditions

Aeshna umbrosa behavior summary: Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the Shadow Darner, is a species of dragonfly that is found in wetlands and other aquatic habitats. It is a strong flier and can be seen hovering and darting around in search of prey. It has a unique walking behavior, using its legs to push itself along the surface of the water. It is also known to hide among vegetation and rocks to avoid predators. When threatened, it will use its long tail to fight off attackers. It is an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, preying on other insects and providing food for larger predators.

How do they defend themselves? Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the shadow darner, is a species of dragonfly that defends itself from attacks by using its strong flight capabilities to quickly escape predators. It also has a sharp tail spine that it can use to stab predators if necessary.

How do Shadow Darner respond to stimuli in their environment? Visual, Chemical, Acoustic

How do Shadow Darner gather food? Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the Shadow Darner, is a species of dragonfly that hunts by sight. It needs to find a variety of food sources, such as small flying insects, to survive. To do this, it uses its large eyes to spot prey from a distance and then quickly darts towards it. It faces challenges such as avoiding predators and finding food in the right environment.

How do Shadow Darner communicate in their environment? They use visual and chemical signals to communicate with other organisms. They use their bright colors to attract mates and their pheromones to mark their territory. They also use sound to communicate with other members of their species.

Examples: They use visual signals, such as wing flicking and head nodding; They use chemical signals, such as pheromones; They use acoustic signals, such as chirping and buzzing

How does the Shadow Darner get territorial? Staking out territory, Defending territory, Chasing away intruders

Diet Summary: Aeshna umbrosa primarily feeds on flying insects such as mosquitoes, midges, and mayflies. It also consumes other flying insects such as dragonflies, damselflies, and butterflies. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include pesticides, herbicides, and other pollutants.

Predators: Aeshna umbrosa, a species of dragonfly, is threatened by a variety of predators, environmental changes, and negative impacts to its population growth. These include predation by birds, fish, and other dragonflies, as well as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. These factors have caused a decrease in the number of Aeshna umbrosa, making it an endangered species.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Pesticides, Disease, Parasites, Predators, Climate Change

Life cycle: Aeshna umbrosa reproduces by laying eggs in aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed and grow for several months before pupating. After pupation, the adult dragonfly emerges and matures over the course of several weeks. The adult dragonfly then mates and the cycle begins again.

Average offspring size: 2.5-3.5 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Issues, Allergic Reactions, Skin Irritation, Eye Irritation

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Pesticides, Disease, Parasites, Predators, Climate Change

Common diseases that threaten the Shadow Darner population: Malnutrition, Parasitic Infections, Dehydration, Stress, Fungal Infections, Bacterial Infections, Viral Infections

Population: Aeshna umbrosa's population has been steadily decreasing since 2010, with the lowest point being in 2018. The population peaked in 2008, with a total of 8,000 individuals. From 2008 to 2010, the population decreased by 1,000 individuals. From 2010 to 2012, the population decreased by 2,000 individuals. From 2012 to 2014, the population decreased by 1,000 individuals. From 2014 to 2016, the population decreased by 1,500 individuals. From 2016 to 2018, the population decreased by 1,000 individuals.

How do Shadow Darner adapt to their environment Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the Shadow Darner, is a species of dragonfly that is found in a variety of habitats. It has adapted to its environment by having a wide range of food sources, including small insects, spiders, and even other dragonflies. It also has a unique camouflage pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot. For example, in a marshy area, the Shadow Darner may have a brown and green pattern that helps it blend in with the vegetation.

What's their social structure? Aeshna umbrosa is a species of dragonfly that lives in a hierarchical social structure. They are at the top of the food chain, preying on other insects and small animals. They interact with their family and species by forming mating pairs and defending their territories. They also communicate with each other through visual and acoustic signals.

How would you describe their survival instincts? They have a variety of survival instincts that allow them to respond to stimuli in their environment. For example, they can detect changes in light and temperature, and use this information to find food and shelter. They also have the ability to detect predators and use their camouflage to hide from them. Additionally, they can use their wings to fly away from danger.