Eastern Pondhawk
Eastern Pondhawk, also known as the common Pondhawk, is found in the United States and southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
Eastern pondhawk Quick Facts
| Common name | Eastern pondhawk |
| Scientific name | Erythemis simplicicollis |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Odonata |
| Family | Libellulidae |
| Genus | Erythemis |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Type | Insect (dragonfly) |
| Diet | Damselflies and other insects |
| Native range | United States and southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada |
| Special feature | Swift, athletic predator that catches prey in flight |
The eastern pondhawk is an athletic, swift-flying predator, able to catch damselflies and other insect prey on the wing. In between hunts, it rests on vegetation, ready to take to the air if prey comes within sight. When newly emerged, the dragonflies at first hunt away from water.
Eastern pondhawk FAQs
What do eastern pondhawks eat?
Eastern pondhawks catch damselflies and other insects. They snatch their prey out of the air.
Where do eastern pondhawks live?
They live in the United States and in southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada.
How do eastern pondhawks hunt?
They rest on plants between hunts and take off when prey comes close. They are fast, athletic fliers.
Is the eastern pondhawk the same as the common pondhawk?
Yes. The eastern pondhawk is also called the common pondhawk.
What do young eastern pondhawks do after they emerge?
Newly emerged dragonflies first hunt away from the water.
Randi Jones is the owner and founder of the Nature Gift Store, an online retailer specializing in nature-themed gifts, educational science projects, live animal nature kits and real butterfly artwork. A biology graduate who fell in love with insects, she founded the company in 2001 to make active learning about nature fun, accessible and engaging for children and adults. Her store offers real butterfly frames, home and garden decor and educational live animal kits, including ant farms, worm farms, tadpoles, ladybugs and hermit crabs, and she runs a bug museum in Washington featuring live animals like Eddie the Iguana alongside other reptiles and insects.
