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Code: Dragonflies Life
Skills: Dragonflies of India

Project Description

Pantala flavescens, commonly known as the globe skimmer, globe wanderer, or wandering glider, is indeed a fascinating dragonfly!

Taxonomy and Distribution:
- Pantala flavescens belongs to the family Libellulidae and is one of the few species in the genus Pantala.
- It was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798.
- This dragonfly is found across the globe, with populations on every continent except Antarctica. While it is widespread, it is relatively rare in Europe ¹.
Physical Characteristics:
- The globe skimmer has a wingspan ranging from 7.2 cm to 8.4 cm and a body length of up to 4.5 cm.
- The head’s front side is yellowish to reddish, and the thorax is usually yellow to golden with a dark, hairy line.
- The abdomen shares a similar color with the thorax.
- The wings are clear and very broad at the base, with variations in color (olive, brown, or yellow).
- The pterostigma (a dark spot on the leading edge of the wing) turns yellowish, and the eyes are chestnut-red.
- Females lack the reddish wash in the abdomen that males have ¹.
Migration:
- Globe skimmers undertake an incredible annual migration, covering approximately 18,000 km (about 11,200 miles).
- To complete this journey, individual globe skimmers fly more than 6,000 km (3,730 miles)—one of the farthest known migrations among insect species.
- Their migratory route takes them across continents, making them true globe-trotters!
Conservation Status:
- The IUCN lists Pantala flavescens as “Least Concern.”
- Despite its wide distribution, conservation efforts are essential to protect its habitats and ensure its continued survival.