Spot-tailed Dasher
Micrathyria aequalis
This record describes Micrathyria aequalis (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
All blue darkening on the last 4 or 5 segments, spot on the sides of segment 7 See Dunkle
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Micrathyria (Dashers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Still or slow-moving water with emergent vegetation: permanent and temporary ponds, sloughs, lakes
Geographic Range
South Florida - Miami area South Texas - Lower Rio Grande Valley Also West Indies and Mexico south through Ecuador
Seasonal Activity
all year in Florida, typically May-October in south Texas
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Micrathyria aequalis. 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 Spot-tailed Dasher (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Joshua Stuart Rose , Fyn Kynd
Frequently Asked Questions About Spot-tailed Dasher
What is Spot-tailed Dasher?
Spot-tailed Dasher (Micrathyria aequalis) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Spot-tailed Dasher?
26-34 mm
How do you identify Spot-tailed Dasher?
All blue darkening on the last 4 or 5 segments, spot on the sides of segment 7 See Dunkle
Where is Spot-tailed Dasher found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Still or slow-moving water with emergent vegetation: permanent and temporary ponds, sloughs, lakes |
| Range | South Florida - Miami area South Texas - Lower Rio Grande Valley Also West Indies and Mexico south through Ecuador |
When is Spot-tailed Dasher active?
Spot-tailed Dasher: seasonal activity - all year in Florida, typically May-October in south Texas.