Little Blue Dragonlet
Erythrodiplax minuscula
The Little Blue Dragonlet is a tiny Florida dragonfly. Mature males turn powder blue, while females and young males remain yellow and black.
Little Blue Dragonlets breed in shallow sunny ponds, marshes, ditches, and slow water with abundant low vegetation. Adults perch close to the ground and make short flights after small insects.
The aquatic nymphs hunt mosquito larvae and other tiny prey. After emerging, adults continue controlling flying insects around wet areas.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes and Ponds, Canals and Ditches
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Adults catch mosquitoes, midges, gnats, and tiny flies. Aquatic nymphs eat mosquito larvae, small insects, and other pond animals.
Behavior:
Adults perch low on grasses and leaves, make quick short patrols, and return to a favorite perch. Nymphs develop underwater before climbing vegetation to emerge.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Sunny warm days near shallow vegetated ponds, marsh edges, and drainage ditches.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Common in suitable habitat and not listed as threatened or endangered.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Dragonflies do not sting and rarely attempt to bite. They are safe around people, pets, ponds, and gardens.
Benefits to Property:
Adults and nymphs consume mosquitoes and other small insects, providing natural pest reduction around water.
Property Concerns:
It causes no property damage. Draining small wetlands or applying insecticide near water removes breeding habitat.
Fun Fact:
The blue adult male and yellow-black female look so different that they are easy to mistake for separate species.
Wildlife Laws:
No special Florida listing applies. Collecting is restricted in many parks, preserves, and refuges without authorization.
Identification:
Mature males have a powder-blue abdomen and dark thorax. Females and immature males are yellowish with black markings. Both are notably small with clear wings and compact bodies.
Credits:
Facts: Maryland Biodiversity Project. Images: primary and secondary.