They are more than curiosities macros are intermediaries in the story of a larger ecology where they recycle nutrients and subsequently feed the wildlife that we humans are more likely to notice. They carry forest floor resources with them throughout the forest and adjacent waters. Macros are key players in the enrichment of a wet forest. There are some conspicu- ous differences between the findings of these authors and mine, as far as faunistics. As these organisms are eaten by predators and then, even larger predators the nutrients and energy of the cast‐offs from previous years become the building blocks of a fresh new spring. There are shredders, nibblers, and scrapers with unique appendages and mouth parts that collectively transform dead material into living tissue. Then, the macros come along in many sizes and shapes with an array of skills and appetites. Microscopic algae, fungi and bacteria often initiate the process. To digest these coarse resources a variety of organisms are engaged. While something like a small wading pool can attract dragonflies, you’re best off with a larger. It is often said that vernal pools are fueled by detritus, fallen leaves, limbs and other plant materials that fall to the forest floor. They lay their eggs in water and the larvae grow up in water. Predaceous Diving Beetle Larva, photo by Judy Semroc Many insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, bugs and flies use this strategy. Other macros only use vernal pools to lay eggs and feed as they grow, but later leave the pool as adults before the waters dry down. Fairy shrimp, that only live in vernal pools, are the premiere example of this strategy. One life‐cycle strategy is to hatch very early, mature, breed and lay eggs that will become dormant until the next season. Many of them become active in winter, even below a layer of ice. Macroinvertebrates are especially suited to life in temporary waters. Others range in size down to the tiniest speck. The largest macros of vernal pools are crayfish and dragonflies that, as adults can grow to more than three inches in length. Those that can be seen without magnification are collectively known as macro‐invertebrates (macros). Well, what would you ask Clay Thompson, our resident guru of random knowledge? E-mail your questions to and check back at for his often hilarious responses.Vernal pools are populated by dozens, if not hundreds, of small organisms that are not vertebrates, so called because they do not have backbones like frogs and salamanders. As adults may have only have 5 weeks above water to reproduce. You've heard of Reddit's Ask Me Anything. Specifically, increasing pool flood height had a strong negative effect on snail densities, whereas dragonfly nymph densities increased as pools became. May spend up to 5 years as larvae in a pool or spring before they crawl out and begin to fly. It's what they have to do to get things lined up properly.ĭragonflies don't always mate on the wing. This is known in the dragonfly Kama Sutra as the wheel formation. A certain amount of contortion is involved. There can be a lot of biting or scratching involved.ĭragonfly anatomy does not really lend itself to an easy match-up of their fun parts. The male sneaks upon the female from behind. You see them near the pool because dragonflies gather around water to hunt. Is one steering and the other providing the propulsion?ĭo you spend a lot of time watching dragonflies mate? Don't you think they might like a little privacy? What if a bunch of dragonflies gathered around to watch while you were making love?ĭragonflies mating habits are a bit complicated, and I'm not sure if I have room here to give you the entire rundown.įor starters, water isn't what turns them on. Does anyone know what the mating times for dragonflies is? Is the water a sexual stimulant? While they are together they still move in erratic directions and changes of elevation. They seem to be coupled for five or 10 minutes, sometimes longer. My yard is a little lush, and the pool seems to be an attraction for them. I seem to have two or three times more dragonflies than usual.
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