Fauna
Insect

Eastern Pondhawk

Erythemis simplicicollis

Also known as Common Pondhawk

Eastern Pondhawk females and young males are vivid green, while mature males develop a powdery blue abdomen. This robust dragonfly hunts aggressively from low perches beside still water.

DragonflyPond HunterColor-changing Male
Eastern Pondhawk reference1 / 7
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlies, Mosquitoes, Smaller dragonflies
Predators
  • Birds
  • Frogs
  • Larger dragonflies
ThreatsWetland drainage, polluted water, and broad-spectrum insecticides
HabitatsPonds, marshes, lakeshores, canals, and slow stream margins
Life spanSeveral weeks as an adult and about one year for the full life cycle
Classification
  1. OrderOdonata
  2. FamilyLibellulidae
  3. GenusErythemis
  4. SpeciesErythemis simplicicollis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Avoid trampling emergent plants used for perching and emergence.
Responsible observation
  • Perches: Scan low stems and bare twigs at pond edges.
  • Color: Expect green females and young males but blue mature males.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

Wetland Territory

Eastern Pondhawk is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

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