Diet

• Dythemis sterilis is a predatory dragonfly. Adults capture small flying insects, including flies, mosquitoes and other small insects, usually from perches near water.

• The aquatic larvae are also predators, feeding on aquatic insect larvae and other small aquatic invertebrates.

Range

• The Brown Setwing has a broad Neotropical range extending from Mexico through Central America to northern South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean. The species is currently recognized as valid.

• It is well established in western Mexico.

Habitat

• Dythemis sterilis is particularly associated with running freshwater, including streams and rivers. It is often found along relatively fast-flowing, rocky streams in mountainous areas, although adults and larvae can also occur around slower water at lower elevations.

• Adults perch on the tips of plant stems, shrubs and other vegetation beside breeding waters. Mature individuals may also hunt along forest clearings, roads and mountain tracks away from the water.

• In western Mexico it occurs in tropical dry forest, making shaded streams and seasonal waterways within or bordering this habitat particularly suitable.

Description

• Dythemis sterilis is a medium-sized dragonfly, with males about 38–41 mm long and females about 37–40 mm.

• Mature individuals are predominantly brown, with relatively dark eyes and a slender abdomen. The thorax and abdomen show contrasting darker and paler markings that become more subdued with age.

• Like other setwings, it commonly rests with its wings held below the level of the thorax and the abdomen slightly raised, giving the group its characteristic posture.