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SCARLET SKIMMER FEEDING

YC Wee
on 25th March 2015

“While exploring a forest edge one morning in October 2014, I chanced upon a male Scarlet Skimmer (Orthetrum testaceum, family Libellulidae) with a freshly caught prey within its grasp (above).

“On closer inspection, I realised that the prey was a planthopper bug (family Flatidae). It was an adult which had recently metamorphosed, as it still retained remnants of waxy filaments that protected it during its earlier instars.

“As the dragonfly continued to devour this bug, its head and limbs were smothered with these adhesive, waxy filaments, yet remained undeterred (above).

“A video clip of the dragonfly feeding may be viewed here:

“Towards the completion of his meal, the dragonfly would use his forelimbs to wipe his eyes clean, removing as much of the sticky filaments as possible.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
16th March 2015

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

Singapore-Nature: 17. Citizen Science

30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

Singapore’s secret “garden”

20th July 2023

Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

12th July 2023

Singapore Nature: 14. Accolades

6th July 2023

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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