Erythemis simplicicollis
(Say, 1839)
Eastern Pondhawk
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The only skimmers with green faces, the ferocious eastern pondhawks can take prey that is their size. The length of the body varies from 1.5 to 1.7 inches. The male is powdered blue while the female is greenish and has black rings on the abdomen. They can appear different at different ages. For instance, a immature male can have a green thorax with other parts purplish. This shows that the male is not juvenile anymore but not quite an adult yet. The color of the males will become obscured as they age.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Common from eastern to central United States with some parts in Canada, it is usually found at ponds, lakes, and slow waters that are associated with floating plants. It is widely distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Early June to early September in Wisconsin.
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Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Male eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Male eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Intermediate male eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Intermediate male eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Immature male eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Female eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Female eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson
Female eastern pondhawk. © Dan Jackson