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Sparkling jewelwing

Sparkling jewelwing

Calopteryx dimidiata

A species of Demoiselles

The sparkling jewelwing is one of the smallest damselflies in its family with a total length of 37 to 50 millimetres (1.5 to 2.0 in). The thorax and the long slender abdomen are metallic bluish-green and the eyes are brown. In males the end fifth of each wing is black, with a straight line separating the dark section from the transparent hyaline remainder of the wing. Females are a slightly more bronzy-green. Their wings may be similar to those of the male but less clearly defined, or only the hind wings may be tipped with black, or the wings may be entirely clear. There is usually a small white pterostigma near the tip of the wings. Immature adults have reddish eyes and generally duller colouring. The male sparkling jewelwing has fore-wings and hind wings that do not differ in size by more than 2 millimetres (0.08 in). The apex of both pairs of wing has a black band that terminates in a straight line distal to the nodus. The sternum of the tenth abdominal segment is black. These features distinguish this species from the others in its genus that share its range.

General Info About Sparkling jewelwing
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Attributes of Sparkling jewelwing
Colors
Black
Green
White
Habitat
The sparkling jewelwing is found in the eastern and southeastern United States. Its range extends from New England to Louisiana and parts of Texas, mainly on the Atlantic coastal plain. Its typical habitat is sandy forest streams, particularly acidic ones, with fast-flowing water in locations with plentiful riverside vegetation.
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, mayflies, moths
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Sparkling jewelwing is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Sparkling jewelwing typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Sparkling jewelwing
Not endangered
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Predators of Sparkling jewelwing Larvae
Frogs, toads, aquatic beetles, larger dragonfly nymphs, fish
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Predators of Adult Sparkling jewelwing
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Sparkling jewelwing
Sparkling jewelwing can skillfully fly backward, a remarkable ability that aids in their intricate aerial acrobatics during courtship displays and territorial defenses.
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Scientific Classification of Sparkling jewelwing
Tips for Finding Sparkling jewelwing
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How Can You Attract Sparkling jewelwing
Since adult sparkling jewelwing are predatory, they do not respond to traditional bait but can be attracted to areas with abundant prey such as other insects.
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Habitat Preferences of Sparkling jewelwing Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of sparkling jewelwing are usually laid on vegetation in or near freshwater bodies such as streams and ponds. The naiads develop in water, often seen clinging to submerged plants or hiding under debris on the bottom. To find naiads, one should search in those aquatic environments, gently turning over leaves and stones. Adult sparkling jewelwing are commonly found in areas adjacent to the water sources where they emerged. To observe adults, look for them basking in sunlight or flying around riverside foliage, often near the same bodies of water where they were once naiads.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Sparkling jewelwing
The best time to find adult sparkling jewelwing is during warm, sunny days, typically late morning to afternoon when they are most active. naiads are aquatic and can be observed throughout the day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Sparkling jewelwing
Adult sparkling jewelwing prefer warm, sunny, and calm weather, as windy conditions make flight and prey capture difficult. naiads can be found in aquatic environments regardless of weather, provided the water is not frozen.
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How and Where Can You Find Sparkling jewelwing at Different Life Stages
Egg Sparkling jewelwing eggs are laid on vegetation near or on water bodies, usually within plant tissues. Locating them requires examining host plants and careful observation for small, oblong eggs.
Naiad Sparkling jewelwing naiads are aquatic and can be found in clean, slow-moving bodies of water. They hide under rocks, leaves, or sediment, so carefully sifting through these materials in shallow waters may reveal them.
Adult This is when sparkling jewelwing transition from naiads to adults. It occurs near water bodies where naiads climb onto vegetation to undergo metamorphosis. Looking for empty naiadl cases on plants or structures near water can indicate where adults might emerge.
Adult sparkling jewelwing are often found near water bodies like rivers, streams, or wetlands where they hunt and mate. Spotting them involves searching for flying individuals or those perched on vegetation during warm, sunny periods.
Are Sparkling jewelwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Sparkling jewelwing
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Diets
Mosquitoes, Aquatic Insects
Sparkling jewelwing is an adept hunter both in its aquatic naiad stage and as an airborne adult. In the water, naiad sparkling jewelwing stealthily ambushes unsuspecting prey with its extendable mouthparts. On the wing, adults snatch mosquitoes from the air with precise aerial maneuvers. Their predatory lifestyle is crucial for controlling pest populations and maintaining ecological balance.
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