Identification
Dragonlet found in salt-marsh habitats. Mature male is very dark. Female has much more yellow, but also has "male-like form". Habitat is distinctive.
Range
Coastal eastern North America, south to Venezuela, inland in southwestern United States in some areas (saline lakes). Also in some of West Indes and west coast of Mexico.
Habitat
Salt marshes, mangrove swamps and saline lakes.
Season
May to September in northeast, all year in Florida
Food
Feeds on other insects up to the size of lacewings, damselflies.
Life Cycle
Unique for breeding in salt water. Males perch near pools, defend a territory. Male and female oviposit together, typically in mats of algae.
Remarks
The only dragonfly (Western Hemisphere) restricted to salt-marsh habitats.
Print References
Dunkle, p. 206,plate 37
(1)
Dunkle, pp. 98-99, figs. 88, 89
(2)
Internet References
Jeff Pippen's page on Florida odonata, including this species
Giff Beaton's page which includes this species
