EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

9-15 September 2019

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Eastern Pondhawk

Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis), Family Libellulidae
Jean Lafitte, Louisiana

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:   Strolling across the elevated boardwalks of a deep south bayou, here in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, I spotted this dragonfly rather cryptically blending into the emergent vegetation.   

This is an Eastern Pondhawk, wonderfully named for its "hawking" feeding behavior of snatching flying insect prey while on the wing ... over a pond (bayou).  



A bit less camouflaged on the boardwalk planks,
this denizen of the South was nonetheless a striking and imposing predator.


The pondhawk shared its swamp environment with other interesting creatures including five-lined skinks, green anole lizards, aggressive American alligators, American green treefrogs, and more.  

  
    

Next week's picture:  An Unwanted Miner

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