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C.T.J. - Mosquito Hawk Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

-allenite-: As there has been no response from owner regarding my previous note, I'm archiving this cache. Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

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Hidden : 8/9/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is placed out on the Heritage Nature Trail behind the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center. (B.Y.O.P.) Be sure to visit the museum (Free of charge) and sign the visitors log. Make a note that you were there geocaching. (A Recreational Passport for your vehicle is needed to park at the Carl T. however).

There are 2 insects that are commonly referred to by this name. The Dragonfly as well as the Cranefly. Both have a very different interaction with Mosquitoes. Crane flies get the name due to their resemblance to the Mosquito. To the untrained eye the only difference is in size, as they are usually more than twice the size of the average Mosquito. Dragonflies are not named for their looks but due to their large powerful jaws they use to consume their prey including countless Mosquitoes.

The Cranefly looks like a very large Mosquito. It is rumored that they eat Mosquitoes and will bite people sucking on the blood of their victim. This is surely not the case as they prefer to feed on the roots of a variety of grasses and small plants.

Dragonflies do however have a habit if killing very large numbers of Mosquitoes. An adult dragonfly can eat hundreds of Mosquitoes a day as well as consuming a variety of other insects.The Dragonfly is carnivorous in nature and can eat food equal to its own weight in about 30 minutes. 

From the time the Dragonfly comes out of their eggs as nymphs they yearn for meat and seek out their prey. The nymphs are extremely fast swimmers and will eat about anything that moves underwater or on the surface of the water. As nymphs the Dragonflies eat Mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects as well as worms. For a little variety they may even eat small vertebrates such as tadpoles and small fish.

When the Dragonfly nymph is ready to leave their aquatic homes they will crawl above the water surface, molt to shed their skin for the last time before they take to the air to continue their rule of their new domain.

Adult Dragonflies are natural born rulers of the insect world. Due to their keen sense of vision, they are able to catch their prey in midflight by forming a basket with their legs and consumes their meal without landing. As an Adult they like to eat Gnats, Flies, Mosquitoes, as well as other flying insect such as Butterflies, Moths and Bees. The Dragonfly is known to fly in large groups if a large colony of Ants, or Termites are spotted.

A couple of interesting facts of the Dragonfly are: 1) The Dragonfly has 2 sets of wings allowing them to travel at great speeds while conserving energy. Ex. A Bee flaps its wings at a rate of 300 beats per second while the Dragonfly has a rate of only 30 beats per second.   2) The largest Dragonfly fossil had a wingspan of 2 1/2 feet. Currently there are Dragonflies in Costa Rica with a wingspan of 7 1/2 inches.   3)The part that looks like a stinger is actually a clasper. The male uses it to hold the female during mating, The female uses this for egg laying. They do not sting humans.   4) The eye of a Dragonfly has about 30,000 lenses and can actually see all the way around itself.   5) as Nymphs the Dragonfly lives up to 4 years in the water depending on the specie, however as adults their lifespan is only about 6 months.

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Congrats to the Top 3 Cachers
thebonecrew = FTF
equinoxrox = 2nd to find
FlynSunshine = 3rd to find

Additional Hints (No hints available.)