Pin-tailed Pondhawk
Erythemis plebeja
This record describes Erythemis plebeja (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Mature males with abdominal segments 1 - 3 black and very swollen, while 4 - 10 are very slender. Possibly introduced to Florida by human activities . Texas populations more likely natural.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Erythemis (Pondhawks)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
South Texas to Paraguay. Dunkle reports that this species was first reported from Miami in 1971 and has since spread very slowly northward.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Burmeister, 1839
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Erythemis plebeja. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pin-tailed Pondhawk (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Pin-tailed Pondhawk
What is Pin-tailed Pondhawk?
Pin-tailed Pondhawk (Erythemis plebeja) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Pin-tailed Pondhawk?
41 - 49 mm
How do you identify Pin-tailed Pondhawk?
Mature males with abdominal segments 1 - 3 black and very swollen, while 4 - 10 are very slender.
Where is Pin-tailed Pondhawk found?
Range: South Texas to Paraguay. Dunkle reports that this species was first reported from Miami in 1971 and has since spread very slowly northward.