Water skimmer nymphs were collected in the littoral zone of the oxbow lake area at Howell Wetlands in Vanderburgh County on September 21st, 2017. The specimen was identified to the following taxonomic groups: Phylum Arthropoda Class Insecta Order Odonata Family Libellilidae Genus Sympetrum Identification of the specimen began by noticing an hour glass shaped scutellum to decipher whether the specimen was a true bug, or a beetle. Characteristics that belong to most true bugs, include forewings that are half hardened (like a beetles wing cover), a versatile beak that is attached to a small head, and an hour glass shaped scutellum. After deciphering if the specimen was a true bug
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1989). Nymphs feed on may-fly larvae, freshwater crustaceans, and sometimes small fish and tadpoles. Sympetrum derived from Latin means “with rock,” this is significant to their method of predation (citation). Adult Sympetrum bask on rocks to detect prey as it flies by. When prey flies by Sympetrum use their large compound monster like eyes to dart quickly towards their prey in a rotational method in order to successfully capture its target (Dickinson 2015). As their body spins during the chase the animal rotates its head in order to keep the image of the prey in its sight making it easier to track and capture. Sympetrum have the ability to measure their head and body in a position of their target with their dorsal of their eye. The skimmer then captures prey from underneath. Sympetrum’s legs then extend forward in a sweep like motion in entangle prey in a netlike motion making sure that the prey will not have any possible chance to escape. Sympetrum then use their labium (food-getting device), to devour their prey (Pennak
1989). Nymphs feed on may-fly larvae, freshwater crustaceans, and sometimes small fish and tadpoles. Sympetrum derived from Latin means “with rock,” this is significant to their method of predation (citation). Adult Sympetrum bask on rocks to detect prey as it flies by. When prey flies by Sympetrum use their large compound monster like eyes to dart quickly towards their prey in a rotational method in order to successfully capture its target (Dickinson 2015). As their body spins during the chase the animal rotates its head in order to keep the image of the prey in its sight making it easier to track and capture. Sympetrum have the ability to measure their head and body in a position of their target with their dorsal of their eye. The skimmer then captures prey from underneath. Sympetrum’s legs then extend forward in a sweep like motion in entangle prey in a netlike motion making sure that the prey will not have any possible chance to escape. Sympetrum then use their labium (food-getting device), to devour their prey (Pennak