Seaside Dragonlet
Erythrodiplax berenice
This record describes Erythrodiplax berenice (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Dragonlet found in salt-marsh habitats. Mature male is very dark. Female has much more yellow, but also has male-like form. Habitat is distinctive. The only dragonfly (Western Hemisphere) restricted to salt-marsh habitats.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Erythrodiplax (Dragonlets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Salt marshes, mangrove swamps and saline lakes.
Geographic Range
coastal e. NA to Venezuela, inland in some areas (saline lakes) / West Indies - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May to Sept., all year in Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds on other insects up to the size of lacewings, damselflies.
Life History
Unique for breeding in salt water. Males perch near pools, defend a territory. Male and female oviposit together, typically in mats of algae. closest thing we have to a marine dragonfly in North America, capable of breeding in waters with high salt concentrations.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Erythrodiplax berenice Drury, 1773
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Erythrodiplax berenice. 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 Seaside Dragonlet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Graham M
Frequently Asked Questions About Seaside Dragonlet
What is Seaside Dragonlet?
Seaside Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax berenice) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Seaside Dragonlet?
Length 3.3 cm
How do you identify Seaside Dragonlet?
Dragonlet found in salt-marsh habitats. Mature male is very dark. Female has much more yellow, but also has male-like form. Habitat is distinctive.
Where is Seaside Dragonlet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Salt marshes, mangrove swamps and saline lakes. |
| Range | coastal e. NA to Venezuela, inland in some areas (saline lakes) / West Indies - Map |
What does Seaside Dragonlet eat?
The diet of the Seaside Dragonlet includes Feeds on other insects up to the size of lacewings, damselflies..
When is Seaside Dragonlet active?
Seaside Dragonlet: seasonal activity - mostly: May to Sept., all year in Florida.
What is the life cycle of a Seaside Dragonlet?
Unique for breeding in salt water. Males perch near pools, defend a territory. Male and female oviposit together, typically in mats of algae. closest thing we have to a marine dragonfly in North America, capable of breeding in waters with high salt concentrations.