Odonata in the Florida Soybean Agroecosystem

Abstract

Thirty-five species of Odonata, including 4 families of Anisoptera and 3 families of Zygoptera, were observed in Florida soybean fields. Where possible, time of flight, flight pattern, feeding habits, and prey taken were recorded. Nine species appeared to be numerous enough and sufficiently selective in feeding habits to be capable of affecting prey populations. Three dragonfly species possibly may affect prey of economic importance. These were Erythemis simplicicollis (Say) which fed on Heliothis zea (Boddie), H. viriscens (Fabricius), and Pseudoplusia includens (Walker); Pachydiplax longipennis (Burmeister) which fed on alate imported fire ants, Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel and Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant; and Perithemis tenera seminole Calvert which fed on dolichopodid flies. Only 1 species of damselfly, Anomalagrion hastatum (Say) was consistently associated with soybean culture.