Three-striped Dasher
Micrathyria didyma
This record describes Micrathyria didyma (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Each side of the thorax has three parallel, vertical, straight black stripes. This distinguishes it from the very similar Thornbush Dasher (M. hagenii), in which the center stripe forks into a Y. Also, the two white tail-spots are trapezoidal in shape, as opposed to rectangular (M. hagenii), triangular (M. aequalis), or linear (Pachydiplax longipennis).
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
Breeds in stagnant waters (ponds, canals. sloughs) and occasionally small, weedy streams. Adults usually perch in deep shade.
Geographic Range
Mexico, Bahamas, and West Indies, south through Ecuador. Only four US counties have records. First detected in Miami-Dade County, southern Florida in 1985. Texas county records from Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy.
Seasonal Activity
Flies most of the year, may disappear in coldest months
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Micrathyria didyma. 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 Three-striped Dasher (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Three-striped Dasher
What is Three-striped Dasher?
Three-striped Dasher (Micrathyria didyma) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Three-striped Dasher?
Each side of the thorax has three parallel, vertical, straight black stripes. This distinguishes it from the very similar Thornbush Dasher (M. hagenii), in which the center stripe forks into a Y. Also, the two white tail-spots are trapezoidal in shape, as opposed to rectangular (M. hagenii), triangular (M. aequalis), or linear (Pachydiplax longipennis).
Where is Three-striped Dasher found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Breeds in stagnant waters (ponds, canals. sloughs) and occasionally small, weedy streams. Adults usually perch in deep shade. |
| Range | Mexico, Bahamas, and West Indies, south through Ecuador. Only four US counties have records. First detected in Miami-Dade County, southern Florida in 1985. Texas county records from Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy. |
When is Three-striped Dasher active?
Three-striped Dasher: seasonal activity - Flies most of the year, may disappear in coldest months.