Western Pondhawk (Erythemis collocata)
Resources
Status
- BC: Blue – S3S4 (2015)
- COSEWIC: Not ranked
- SARA: Not ranked
- Global: Secure (2016)
- Galiano Island Status: Confirmed
Description
The western pondhawk is a dragonfly similar in appearance to the blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) but larger, with a green face and dark-blue eyes. Another difference is the flight pattern; the pondhawk will perch on the ground or on floating vegetation while the blue dasher flies higher up in the air. It is a medium-sized species that typically hunts, or defends territories, around the edges of ponds and lakes.
Habitat
They are found in a variety of wetlands with abundant aquatic and riparian vegetation, favouring floating plants.
Range
This species is found from southern British Columbia east to Alberta, extending south to southern California.
Threats
Loss of wetland and riparian areas due to development are the greatest threat. Introduced species such as reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) degrade the habitat.
Galiano Status
Populations have been documented in at least six wetlands on the north half of the island.