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Ebony Jewelwing damselfly

Calopteryx maculata

Description:

It is between 39–57 mm (1.5–2.2 in). The males have metallic blue-green bodies and black wings. Females have duller brown bodies and smoky wings and glistening white spots near tip wings. Naiad have pale brown bodies with darker markings

Habitat:

It lives near wooded streams and rivers. Ebony Jewelwings flutter like a butterfly. When disturbed they fly a short distance to safety. These damselflies are easy to get close to as long as you approach slowly and don't make any sudden movements. They will often stop to rest on leaves or twigs. Ebony Jewelwings may fly far from water. They can be seen in the middle of the woods, while most damselflies and dragonflies are usually seen near ponds, lakes, or rivers.

Notes:

Ebony Jewelwings mate in the summer. The male grabs the female behind her head with his tail or abdomen. After mating, females lay their eggs inside soft stems of water plants. Eggs hatch into larvae called naiads. Ebony Jewelwing naiads eat small aquatic insects. When the naiads are fully grown, they crawl out of the water and molt. They leave their old skin behind. The adult can soon fly off and look for a mate.

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4 Comments

RickBohler
RickBohler 10 years ago

Thanks LG :)

LeanneGardner
LeanneGardner 10 years ago

Beautiful name for a stunning creature. Such colours!

RickBohler
RickBohler 10 years ago

Thanks my friend :)

Gerardo Aizpuru
Gerardo Aizpuru 10 years ago

Extraordinary series fantastic spot !

RickBohler
Spotted by
RickBohler

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Spotted on Apr 28, 2013
Submitted on Apr 28, 2013

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Reference

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