Jade-striped Sylph
Macrothemis inequiunguis
This record describes Macrothemis inequiunguis (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Uncommon, but can be locally abundant in the right habitat. Can be found with ivory-striped sylph.
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
Small forested streams
Geographic Range
Central Texas
Seasonal Activity
Mid-March through early November
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Macrothemis inequiunguis. 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 Jade-striped Sylph (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason Forbes; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Jade-striped Sylph
What is Jade-striped Sylph?
Jade-striped Sylph (Macrothemis inequiunguis) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
Where is Jade-striped Sylph found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small forested streams |
| Range | Central Texas |
When is Jade-striped Sylph active?
Jade-striped Sylph: seasonal activity - Mid-March through early November.