Diet

• Erythemis haematogastra is an active aerial predator. Adults capture other insects during flight, including flies and other small flying insects.

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

Range

• The Red Pondhawk has a broad Neotropical distribution from Mexico through Central America and into South America, reaching Brazil. It is a native species in Mexico.

• In Mexico it is recorded from Guerrero, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Colima, Nayarit and several other states, making it a suitable species for the Zihuatanejo area.

Habitat

• Erythemis haematogastra is associated with ponds, marshes and other quiet freshwater habitats with abundant vegetation. Adults commonly perch on branches and leaves of shrubs and trees near the water.

• It can occur in both relatively undisturbed and disturbed environments, including small vegetated lakes and agricultural wetlands.

• Around Zihuatanejo, suitable habitat includes vegetated ponds, seasonal pools, marshy areas and quiet water within tropical dry forest and along forest edges.

Description

• Erythemis haematogastra is a medium-sized dragonfly, with a body approximately 44–50 mm long and hind wings about 30–37 mm.

• Mature males are particularly striking, with a bright red abdomen contrasting with a brown thorax and brown eyes. Females and immature individuals are much less conspicuous, with beige to light-brown abdomens.

• The wings are largely clear, with the darkened wing bases characteristic of the species. The combination of a brown thorax, red male abdomen and dark basal wing markings helps distinguish it from other Erythemis occurring in western Mexico.