The brightly colored wings of the Eastern
Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) dragonfly are
one of the most popular and recognized of all the
dragonflies. This species is also know as the Common
Pondhawk and does most of its hunting from low
perches or from the ground. They are ferocious,
and will attack insects up to their own size. Male
Eastern Pondhawks can be identified from far away
by a territorial behavior that is unique to the
species. One male follows another, then circles
under it to take the lead; the new follower repeats
the same maneuver, and so on, in a leapfrogging
chase around the pond. Spare dragonfly wings
are great for people collecting wings of insects
and butterflies because they can be handled without
losing fidelity. The wings have a UV fade-protective
coating and are moisture resistant and will endure
the elements better now more than ever. It is
best not to have water directly on the electronic
dragonflies because they are an electronic.
