Band-winged Dragonlet
Erythrodiplax umbrata
This record describes Erythrodiplax umbrata (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Mature males distinctive, with slender body and black bands on wings.
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
Ponds and marshes, especially temporary ponds.
Geographic Range
Neotropical, West Indies, to southern Florida and southern Texas. Odonata Central map
Seasonal Activity
All year.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Erythrodiplax umbrata. 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 Band-winged Dragonlet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Band-winged Dragonlet
What is Band-winged Dragonlet?
Band-winged Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax umbrata) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Band-winged Dragonlet?
Length 38-47 mm
How do you identify Band-winged Dragonlet?
Mature males distinctive, with slender body and black bands on wings.
Where is Band-winged Dragonlet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds and marshes, especially temporary ponds. |
| Range | Neotropical, West Indies, to southern Florida and southern Texas. Odonata Central map |
When is Band-winged Dragonlet active?
Band-winged Dragonlet: seasonal activity - All year..