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Western Pondhawk

Erythemis collocata

The Western Pondhawk is a bright green dragonfly that loves to fly around ponds and lakes. It has a long body and big eyes, making it look like a little superhero of the water!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Western Pondhawk is a medium-sized dragonfly with a robust body. Males are distinctive with bright green faces and a pale blue, frosted body. Females and young males are brilliant green with dark brown markings and yellow spots on their abdomen.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyLibellulidaeGenusErythemis
Western Pondhawk
aerial trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgewetland trait badge
Western Pondhawk

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

An adult Western Pondhawk can eat hundreds of mosquitoes every single day!

Males often perch on leaves near ponds, fiercely guarding their territory from rivals.

They are ancient insects; dragonflies have existed for over 300 million years!

Western Pondhawk babies, called nymphs, live entirely underwater for up to two years!

Special abilities

Ability

360-Degree Vision

Western Pondhawks have massive compound eyes that cover most of their head, helping them spot prey from almost any direction.

Ability

Aerial Acrobatics

Western Pondhawks can hover, fly backward, and change direction instantly because of their four independently moving wings.

Ability

Underwater Hunter

Western Pondhawk nymphs breathe and hunt underwater, using a special extendable jaw to catch other aquatic creatures.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-90 mm
Size
35-48 mm
Lifespan
400-800 days
Flight Speed
50 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These amazing aerial hunters catch and eat all sorts of flying insects right out of the air!

Age differences: Nymphs hunt aquatic insects and tadpoles underwater, while adults hunt flying insects in the air.

Primary Foods

  • Mosquitoes
  • Flies
  • Moths
  • Small butterflies
  • Midges

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eats

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Adults help control mosquito populations near water.

eats

House Fly

Musca domestica

Adult Western Pondhawks prey on various flying insects, including flies.

eaten by

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

Birds like kingbirds are known predators of adult dragonflies.

eaten by

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

Bullfrogs prey on both adult dragonflies and their aquatic nymphs.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Dragonflies are friendly and won't hurt you, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Western Pondhawk's wingspan?

50-90 mm

How big is Western Pondhawk?

35-48 mm

How long does Western Pondhawk live?

400-800 days

How fast can Western Pondhawk fly?

50 km/h

What does Western Pondhawk eat?

These amazing aerial hunters catch and eat all sorts of flying insects right out of the air!

Where is Western Pondhawk usually found?

Wetlands

How does Western Pondhawk hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Western Pondhawk have?

6

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