Species Insects & ArthropodsEbony Jewelwing

Ebony Jewelwing

Calopteryx maculata

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata)

The Ebony Jewelwing is among the most beautiful of North American damselflies, with males bearing entirely jet-black wings and a metallic green body that glimmers in dappled stream light. Females have dark-tipped smoky wings with a white pseudopterostigma spot. Males perform an elaborate fluttering courtship dance along forest streams. Its fluttering, butterfly-like flight is distinctive.

Habitat
Clear, clean streams and small rivers in forested areas
Diet
Adults: small insects. Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates
How common
Common

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