Eastern Pondhawk

What it is

Erythemis simplicicollis, the eastern pondhawk, also known as the common pondhawk, is a dragonfly of the family Libellulidae, native to the eastern two-thirds of the United States and southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada. It is a dragonfly of ponds and still waters. The species is distinguished in that the female is bright green with a banded abdomen and the mature male has a blue abdomen with a green face and green and blue thorax.

Where and when to find it

Habitat

All across the eastern and central US, wherever there are ponds, lakes, ditches, or slow-moving streams. They love sunny spots near water.

How to find it

Look near calm water bodies. Males are usually bright green with clear wings. They often perch on plants near the water's edge or on rocks, waiting for prey. Females are often brown and green.

Best time of day

Sunny days from late spring to early fall. Mid-morning to late afternoon is when they are most active.

How it lives

What it eats

Mosquitoes, flies, smaller dragonflies, and other flying insects.

What eats it

Birds, frogs, fish (when they are nymphs), larger dragonflies.

Worth knowing

• The adult males are bright green, while females and young males are brown and green.
• They are very territorial and will often chase other dragonflies away from their favorite perching spots.
• Their larvae (nymphs) live in the water and are also predators.
• Dragonflies can fly forwards, backward, and hover like a helicopter.
• They have nearly 360-degree vision with their huge compound eyes.
• They can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day.

Why it matters

Eastern Pondhawks eat many flying insects, including mosquitoes, which helps keep insect numbers balanced around water. They are also food for some birds.