Mexican Amberwing
Perithemis intensa
This record describes Perithemis intensa (species). Recorded family: Libellulidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Small, thorax and abdomen yellowish-brown and unmarked. Wing markings rather variable.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Anisoptera
- Family
- Libellulidae (Skimmers)
- Genus
- Perithemis (Amberwings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds, ditches, etc., often rather muddy
Geographic Range
California deserts, Nevada (?), Arizona, western New Mexico, south through much of Mexico
Seasonal Activity
May-November
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Perithemis intensa. 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 Mexican Amberwing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Amberwing
What is Mexican Amberwing?
Mexican Amberwing (Perithemis intensa) is a species in the family Libellulidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Mexican Amberwing?
Lengh 23-29 mm, wingspan 41-44 mm
How do you identify Mexican Amberwing?
Small, thorax and abdomen yellowish-brown and unmarked. Wing markings rather variable.
Where is Mexican Amberwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, ditches, etc., often rather muddy |
| Range | California deserts, Nevada (?), Arizona, western New Mexico, south through much of Mexico |
When is Mexican Amberwing active?
Mexican Amberwing: seasonal activity - May-November.