Duckweed Firetail
Telebasis byersi
This record describes Telebasis byersi (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males have a bright red abdomen that is essentially unmarked with black. On the dorsal surface of the thorax are two black marks shaped like the numeral 1. Females are dull red to brownish yellow but otherwise like the males. Very similar to T. salvum (which is also listed as T. salva). The easiest way to separate these two species is by range, since T. salvum is southwestern and T. byersi southeastern.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Telebasis (Firetails)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species prefers to perch on Duckweed, and may also be found on other floating plants in ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams.
Geographic Range
Not found in Canada. In the United States, this species is most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Its known localities stretch from Texas to Illinois, and from Delaware to Florida. Westfall and May indicate no records from Mexico or the Greater Antilles.
Seasonal Activity
In Florida, found from March to November.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Tiny insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Telebasis byersi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Duckweed Firetail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by John Schneider , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Duckweed Firetail
What is Duckweed Firetail?
Duckweed Firetail (Telebasis byersi) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Duckweed Firetail?
About 28 mm.
How do you identify Duckweed Firetail?
Males have a bright red abdomen that is essentially unmarked with black. On the dorsal surface of the thorax are two black marks shaped like the numeral 1. Females are dull red to brownish yellow but otherwise like the males.
Where is Duckweed Firetail found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species prefers to perch on Duckweed, and may also be found on other floating plants in ponds, lakes, and sluggish streams. |
| Range | Not found in Canada. In the United States, this species is most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains. Its known localities stretch from Texas to Illinois, and from Delaware to Florida. Westfall and May indicate no records from Mexico or the Greater Antilles. |
What does Duckweed Firetail eat?
The diet of the Duckweed Firetail includes Tiny insects..
When is Duckweed Firetail active?
Duckweed Firetail: seasonal activity - In Florida, found from March to November..