Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis)

Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-06

The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a striking species of skimmer dragonfly native to North America and a member of the family Libellulidae.

The female Eastern Pondhawk is characterized by a vibrant green thorax and face, which provide excellent camouflage among the vegetation.

Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-06

Eastern Pondhawks are typically found near ponds, lakes, and wetlands, where they are often seen perching on vegetation or flying low over the water. They are fierce predators, known for hunting other insects, including smaller dragonflies. Their wings are transparent except for the small black spots, known as pterostigma, near the tips.

Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis

Elk Grove, IL
2012-07-11

Male Eastern Pondhawks are equally distinctive with a blue abdomen, green eyes, and a green thorax. The male's appendages are white, adding a contrasting feature to their overall appearance.

Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis

Elk Grove, IL
2012-06-21

Juvenile males initially resemble females, with a greener thorax and abdomen, before developing their characteristic blue coloration as they mature.

Other Libellulidae species:

Common Whitetail
Libellula lydia

Twelve-Spotted Skimmer
Libellula pulchella

Widow Skimmer
Libellula luctuosa

Autumn Meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum

Black Darter
Sympetrum danae

Great Blue Skimmer
Libellula vibrans

Black Saddlebags
Tramea lacerata

Ruby Meadowhawk
Sympetrum rubicundulum

Four-Spotted Pennant
Brachymesia gravida

Scarlet Skimmer
Crocothemis servilia

Eastern Amberwing
Perithemis tenera

Halloween Pennant
Celithemis eponina

Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax longipennis

Carolina Saddlebags
Tramea carolina

Autumn Meadowhawk• Black Darter• Black Saddlebags• Blue Dasher• Carolina Saddlebags• Common Green Darner• Common Whitetail• Eastern Amberwing• Eastern Forktail• Eastern Pondhawk• Eastern Ringtail• Familiar Bluet• Four-Spotted Pennant• Great Blue Skimmer• Halloween Pennant• Ruby Meadowhawk• Scarlet Skimmer• Seaside Dragonlet• Swamp Darner• Twelve-Spotted Skimmer• Widow Skimmer