Erythemis simplicicollis

(Eastern Pondhawk)

Erythemis simplicicollis is one of the most widespread and abundant dragonflies in the eastern United States; it has been documented from every county in Mississippi and certainly occurs in all Alabama counties, as well. It can live in almost any permanent aquatic habitat, including organically enriched, highly eutrophic ponds. The males undergo a dramatic color change from green to blue as they mature. This species is a voracious predator that will eat anything it can catch, which often includes other odonates, and it is sometimes cannibalistic. The predator can sometimes become the prey, however, as seen in one of the photos below.

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Erythemis simplicicollis, male

ALABAMA, Hale County


Erythemis simplicicollis, male

ALABAMA, Geneva County


Erythemis simplicicollis, female

MISSISSIPPI, Grenada County


Erythemis simplicicollis, female

GEORGIA, Early County


Erythemis simplicicollis, male

(predator of male Least Amberwing, Perithemis tenera)

ALABAMA, Hale County


Erythemis simplicicollis, male

(prey of the robber fly Triorla interrupta)

ALABAMA, Escambia County


Erythemis simplicicollis, nymph

FLORIDA, Bay County


Erythemis simplicicollis, nymph

MISSISSIPPI, Tippah County