“…and today we’re talking about a globe trotting bug. But more on that later.”
A simple insect lives a glover trotter’s life. No dry season will do in this bug’s life–rainfall is needed near round to maintain a healthy life cycle. So, chasing storms all over the Indian ocean is the bold strategy the globe skimmer uses to manage the moisture. But how can a such a small creature manage such an intense journey through Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
Measure Up
Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a quiz that’s fun for the whole family. It’s also the part of the show that’s introduced by you when you send in audio of yourself saying, singing, or chittering the words Measure Up into ldtaxonomy at gmail dot com.
Comparing The Voices – Sparx The Dragonfly
Body Length of the Globe Skimmer
The Globe Skimmer dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) has a body length of 4.5–5 cm (1.8–2 inches). How many objects fit into the dragonfly’s body length (if the object is shorter), or how many dragonflies fit into the object’s length (if the object is longer)?
a) The length of a Seychelles giant millipede
The Seychelles giant millipede (Archispirostreptus seychellarum), found on islands in the Indian Ocean along the Globe Skimmer’s migration route, can reach 6 inches (15 cm) in length.
b) The length of a coconut shell from the Maldives
A typical coconut shell from the Maldives, another stop along the dragonfly’s migratory corridor, has a diameter of about 5 inches (12.7 cm).
c) The length of a Madagascar day gecko
A Madagascar day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis), native to Madagascar (also near the dragonfly’s migration route), measures about 10 inches (25 cm) in total length.
Question: How many fit into each body length comparison?
A) 2 Globe Skimmers fit into the length of a Seychelles giant millipede
B) 2.5 Globe Skimmers fit into the diameter of a Maldivian coconut shell (CORRECT ANSWER)
C) 4 Globe Skimmers fit into the length of a Madagascar day gecko
Wingspan of the Globe Skimmer
The Globe Skimmer dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) has an average wingspan of 3.3 inches (8.4 cm).
How many objects fit into the dragonfly’s wingspan (if the object is shorter), or how many dragonflies fit into the object’s length (if the object is longer)?
a) The length of a Kenyan acacia thorn
The thorns of the whistling thorn acacia (Vachellia drepanolobium), common in East Africa where Globe Skimmers breed during monsoon seasons, reach about 2 inches (5 cm) long.
b) The diameter of a Sri Lankan cinnamon stick
A typical Sri Lankan Cinnamomum verum stick, used for spice exports across the Indian Ocean, measures about 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.
c) The wingspan of an African monarch butterfly
An African monarch (Danaus chrysippus), a butterfly that shares parts of the Globe Skimmer’s range, has a wingspan of around 4 inches (10 cm).
Question: How many fit into each wingspan comparison?
A) 1.5 acacia thorns go into the wingspan of a Globe Skimmer (CORRECT ANSWER)
B) 3.1 cinnamon sticks go into the wingspan of a Globe Skimmer
C) 2.2 Globe Skimmers fit into the wingspan of an African monarch butterfly
Major Fact
Migration Overview
Transoceanic Journey: Globe skimmers undertake multigenerational migrations that can span entire oceans, notably across the Indian Ocean, covering distances up to 18,000 km (11,185 miles). This is the longest known insect migration.
Route: A well-documented path involves traveling from India to East Africa (via the Maldives and Seychelles) and back, often taking advantage of seasonal monsoon winds. This round-trip migration is completed over multiple generations, with each generation covering a segment of the journey.
Multigenerational Cycle: The migration involves at least four generations to complete the full circuit. Each generation breeds, lays eggs, and dies, with their offspring continuing the journey. For example, one generation may fly from East Africa to India, where they reproduce, and the next generation continues the cycle.
Key Features
Timing and Winds: Globe skimmers synchronize their flights with favorable wind patterns, particularly the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and monsoon winds, which aid their long-distance travel. Migrations typically peak between October and December in regions like India and East Africa.
Altitude and Speed: They fly at altitudes up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and can cover 150–180 km (93–112 miles) per day, with some estimates suggesting they can travel up to 7,000 km in a single generation.
Breeding and Habitat: Globe skimmers breed in temporary freshwater pools, such as those formed during monsoons. Their larvae develop rapidly, allowing new generations to emerge and continue the migration. They are often found in diverse habitats, from rice paddies to urban ditches, due to their adaptability