There could be 10 million insect types alive today. They might be more than 90 percent of all animals. The Eastern Pondhawk is a type of dragonfly. It’s in the family Libellulidae (Skimmers) and lives in eastern North America.
This dragonfly is part of the Order Odonata. There are about 5,500 species worldwide, with over 450 in North America. They first appeared around 300 million years ago. Their eyes cover most of their head, helping them hunt insects in the day.
The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) is a common dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae. Here is a list of names and common synonyms associated with this species:
- Erythemis simplicicollis (Scientific Name)
- Eastern Pondhawk (Common Name)
- Erythemis simplicicollis simplicicollis (Subspecies)
- Erythemis simplicicollis collocata (Subspecies)
These names include the primary scientific name and recognized subspecies for the Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly.
Identifying the Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly
The Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) stands out with its looks and action. It’s a key part of the environment in Eastern North America. This dragonfly is easy to spot and grabs your attention.
Physical Characteristics
Adult Eastern Pondhawks measure between 36-48 mm. Females and young males are mostly green with blackish square spots. But, as males get older, they turn a powdery blue and get white claspers.
Behavior and Habits
The Eastern Pondhawk is special in how it acts. Males have a contest where they circle each other, flying close. And they often sit still on the ground, making them easy to see up close.
The young Eastern Pondhawk nymphs eat small water bugs. The grown ones go for tiny flying bugs, sometimes ones their own size. They are active from early spring to late fall, showing us the changing seasons.
The Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly Species Names
The Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis, is very interesting. It belongs to the Libellulidae family. This family is all about dragonflies. This species is full of bright colors. It has a special name that shows where it fits in the dragonfly world.
Taxonomic Classification
The Eastern Pondhawk, Erythemis simplicicollis, fits into these groups:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Anisoptera
- Family: Libellulidae
- Genus: Erythemis
- Species: Erythemis simplicicollis
Other Common Names
The Eastern Pondhawk has other names, too. You might hear it called the Green Jacket. Or it might be called the Pondhawk. These names are based on how it looks or where it lives.
Knowing the Eastern Pondhawkâs names is useful. It helps us tell it apart from other dragonflies in the Odonata group.
Conclusion
The Eastern Pondhawk is a cool dragonfly that many people love. It lives in the east parts of North America. It has special looks and behaviors that make it stand out.
We now know how important dragonflies like the Eastern Pondhawk are. They show if our environment is healthy. They help keep nature’s balance just right.
By learning about the Eastern Pondhawk, we can help take care of nature better. We should protect these amazing dragonflies and their homes. They are part of what makes our world beautiful.
