Nehalennia pallidula

Calvert, 1913

Everglades Sprite

A small to the southeastern United States, restricted to Florida and Texas. It inhabits swamps and freshwater marshes, where its preference for dense vegetation and diminutive size make it difficult to detect. The significant threats from loss due to water diversion, peat fires, and .

Nehalennia pallidula by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Nehalennia pallidula by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Everglades Sprite - Nehalennia pallidula, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida - 11306314813 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nehalennia pallidula: /nɛ.həˈlɛn.i.ə pəˈlɪd.jʊ.lə/

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Identification

One of the smallest in North America. Distinguished from by its pale coloration and restricted range. Similar include other Nehalennia species, but N. pallidula is separated by its geographic distribution and specificity.

Images

Habitat

Swamps and freshwater marshes with dense emergent vegetation.

Distribution

to the United States. Documented from Florida and Texas.

Behavior

Has been observed to prefer dense vegetation, which contributes to its low detectability.

Human Relevance

Subject to concern due to loss from water diversion, peat fires, and .

Similar Taxa

  • Nehalennia gracilisOverlaps in range; distinguished by differences in coloration and thoracic patterning.
  • Nehalennia ireneSimilar small size; separated by geographic distribution and preferences.

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Sources and further reading