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Ebony jewelwing

Ebony jewelwing

Calopteryx maculata

A species of Demoiselles

The ebony jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) is a member of a family called the broad-winged damselflies. This one distinguishes itself by being bright green and metallic, which makes it a unique and beautiful creature. Females are brown and lack the same color as males. They typically hang out around the shaded riverside, giving them something in common with most fishermen.

General Info About Ebony jewelwing
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Attributes of Ebony jewelwing
Colors
Black
Green
Blue
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies
Larva Food Source
Aquatic invertebrates, mosquito larvae, small fish, tadpoles, zooplankton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Ebony 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 Ebony jewelwing
It is found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, ranging west to the Great Plains.
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Distribution Area of Ebony jewelwing
Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Great Plains
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Appearance of Ebony jewelwing
It is between 4 - 6 cm. The male has a metallic blue-green body and black wings. The female is duller brown with smoky wings that have white spots near the tips. The naiad is pale brown with darker markings.
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How to Identify Ebony jewelwing?

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Life Cycle of Ebony jewelwing
Egg The egg is small and elliptical. After being laid in water, the embryonic ebony jewelwing develops inside, preparing for its life as a naiad. Coloration is usually subdued, providing camouflage.
Naiad Naiads of ebony jewelwing resemble the adult in basic structure but lack wings. They possess extendable mouthparts for predation. Aquatic habitat influences their streamlined bodies and muted colors.
Subimago The transition to adulthood begins as ebony jewelwing climbs out of the water onto vegetation. It undergoes little feeding during this stage, focusing on the emergence of adult characteristics.
Adult Emerging from the last naiad skin, the adult ebony jewelwing's development is marked by wings and reproductive organs. The body is elongated and wings are iridescent. Adults are aerial, focusing on mating and laying eggs.
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Adult Size of Ebony jewelwing
4 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of Ebony jewelwing Larvae
Fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, water spiders
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Scientific Classification of Ebony jewelwing
Tips for Finding Ebony jewelwing
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Youth Habitat of Ebony jewelwing
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Ebony jewelwing
Forests and Woodlands, Freshwater Habitats, Grasslands and Prairies, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Ebony jewelwing
Since ebony jewelwing are predatory at all stages of life, using bait or traps is not an effective method for locating them. Instead, careful observation in the right environment is key.
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Habitat Preferences of Ebony jewelwing Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of ebony jewelwing are primarily found in clean, slow-moving streams with abundant aquatic vegetation, where they cling to submerged plants or debris. As they mature, they spend time crawling on the stream bottom. For the adult stages, locate areas near these streams, as they generally fly in sunny spots with clearings or along the water's edge. They are often perched on vegetation or basking in the sun on rocks and are typically observed from late spring to early fall.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Ebony jewelwing
The best time to find adult ebony jewelwing is during warm days when they are most active, typically from late spring to early fall. Morning and late afternoon hours are ideal when the sun is not at its peak.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Ebony jewelwing
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are favorable for spotting ebony jewelwing, as they are less active during cold, windy or rainy days.
Are Ebony jewelwing harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Ebony jewelwing
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Larval Aquatic Insect
Ebony jewelwing employs a unique hunting strategy both in its naiad and adult stages. Naiads use their labium to catch prey underwater, while adults are aerial hunters. This insect consumes pests mostly for sustenance, focusing on aquatic larvae, small fish, and tadpoles in its juvenile stage.
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