ExploreInsects

Seaside Dragonlet

Erythrodiplax berenice

The Seaside Dragonlet is a small dragonfly that loves to flutter near water. With its bright colors and tiny size, it is a fun little creature to spot at the beach or by ponds.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Seaside Dragonlet has a robust body, often dark brown or black, with mature males developing a blue-grey powdery coating called pruinescence. Females are typically yellowish-brown. Its wide-set, dark eyes help it spot prey in its unique coastal habitats.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusErythrodiplax
Seaside Dragonlet
colorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badgediurnal trait badge
Seaside Dragonlet

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A Dragonlet's eyes have thousands of tiny lenses, giving them a super wide view!

Dragonflies can fly forwards, backwards, and even hover perfectly still!

Their underwater nymphs breathe through gills and are fierce tiny hunters!

They are some of the fastest flying insects, zooming past like a tiny jet!

Special abilities

Ability

Saltwater Survival

Seaside Dragonlet can thrive in salty coastal wetlands because its larvae uniquely tolerate brackish water.

Ability

Aerial Acrobatic Hunter

Seaside Dragonlet has incredible flight agility that helps them catch flying insects mid-air with ease.

Ability

Super Sight

Seaside Dragonlet has massive compound eyes that help it see predators and prey in almost all directions.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
60-365 days
Flight Speed
40 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These aerial hunters feast on smaller insects, which they snatch from the air with expert skill.

Age differences: As nymphs, they eat aquatic invertebrates; as adults, they catch flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • Mosquitoes
  • Gnats
  • Midges
  • Small flies
  • Small moths

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

Adult dragonlets prey on adult mosquitoes, helping control their populations.

eaten by

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Birds like kingbirds snatch adult dragonflies from the air.

eaten by

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

Bullfrogs will eat adult dragonlets that come near the water's edge.

eats

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

These fish consume dragonlet nymphs and other aquatic insect larvae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch where you step near water to keep both you and the dragonflies safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seaside Dragonlet's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Seaside Dragonlet?

30-40 mm

How long does Seaside Dragonlet live?

60-365 days

How fast can Seaside Dragonlet fly?

40 km/h

What does Seaside Dragonlet eat?

These aerial hunters feast on smaller insects, which they snatch from the air with expert skill.

Where is Seaside Dragonlet usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Seaside Dragonlet hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Seaside Dragonlet have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Insects