Straw-Colored Sylph
Macrothemis inacuta
This record describes Macrothemis inacuta (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Largest of three sylphs in North America. Brown with eyes becoming blue in adult males. Thoracic stripes are pale, incomplete--those of others in genus more prominent. Wings washed with amber .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Macrothemis (Sylphs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
clear streams, rivers
Geographic Range
Southern Arizona, Texas (Lower Rio Grande Valley), also Mexico into neotropics
Seasonal Activity
May-October (Texas)
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Macrothemis inacuta. 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 Straw-Colored Sylph (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Straw-Colored Sylph
What is Straw-Colored Sylph?
Straw-Colored Sylph (Macrothemis inacuta) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Straw-Colored Sylph?
39-42 mm length
How do you identify Straw-Colored Sylph?
Largest of three sylphs in North America. Brown with eyes becoming blue in adult males. Thoracic stripes are pale, incomplete--those of others in genus more prominent. Wings washed with amber .
Where is Straw-Colored Sylph found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | clear streams, rivers |
| Range | Southern Arizona, Texas (Lower Rio Grande Valley), also Mexico into neotropics |
When is Straw-Colored Sylph active?
Straw-Colored Sylph: seasonal activity - May-October (Texas).