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Common blue damselfly

Common blue damselfly

Enallagma cyathigerum

A species of Bluets, Also known as Northern bluet

The common blue damselfly is named for the delicate blue color of the males, while the female is a pale tan. These insects are a crucial part of the ecology of freshwater habitats since they are mid-level predators that eat small larvae and invertebrates. In turn, they're preyed on by fish and larger larvae. This insect is highly susceptible to pesticide contamination of these freshwater habitats.

General Info About Common blue damselfly
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Attributes of Common blue damselfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Blue
Habitat
open water habitat
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects, mosquitoes, flies, moths, mayflies, small butterflies
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic invertebrates, zooplankton, larval insects, small fish, tadpoles
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common blue damselfly 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 Common blue damselfly 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 Common blue damselfly
It is common in many different countries including Russia, Europe and South Korea.
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Distribution Area of Common blue damselfly
Palearctic
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Life Cycle of Common blue damselfly
Egg The egg stage marks the beginning of the life cycle. The eggs are typically laid in water and are small and oval.
Naiad The aquatic naiad emerges from the egg. This stage sees common blue damselfly undergoing several molts, growing in size each time. The naiads are predators, honing their hunting skills as they mature.
Subimago Upon the final molt, the subimago emerges from the naiad case. This creature stage is a transitional one, with the common blue damselfly exhibiting adult-like features but with duller colors and underdeveloped wings.
Adult Emerging from the last molt, the adult common blue damselfly's development is marked by vibrant colors, fully formed and hardened wings, and mature reproductive organs. The adult is mobile, primarily focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Common blue damselfly
3 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Common blue damselfly Larvae
Fish, tadpoles, wetland birds, aquatic beetles, backswimmers, water scorpions, newts
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Predators of Adult Common blue damselfly
Birds, spiders, frogs, wasps, dragonflies, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Common blue damselfly
Common blue damselfly can regulate its body temperature by changing the angle of its abdomen, an ability known as obelisking to avoid overheating.
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Scientific Classification of Common blue damselfly
Tips for Finding Common blue damselfly
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Youth Habitat of Common blue damselfly
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Common blue damselfly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Common blue damselfly
Since common blue damselfly are predatory creatures, typical bait or trapping with food is not effective. Instead, observations and waiting near suitable habitats are more productive ways to locate them.
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Habitat Preferences of Common blue damselfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common blue damselfly are laid on aquatic vegetation, so one can search the edges of clean ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers with an abundance of plant matter. naiads, being aquatic, are found submerged on or near the bottom of these bodies of water, hiding among debris and vegetation. For adult common blue damselfly, one should check the nearby airspace over water bodies or in adjacent meadows and fields, as they are commonly seen flying or perched on vegetation and periodically returning to water for mating and oviposition.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common blue damselfly
The best time to find common blue damselfly is during the warmer months when they are most active, typically from late spring to early fall, with peak activities during midday when the sun is strongest.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common blue damselfly
Optimal weather for finding common blue damselfly includes warm, sunny days with little to no wind, as they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperatures.
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How and Where Can You Find Common blue damselfly at Different Life Stages
Naiad Common blue damselfly in the naiad stage are aquatic and can be found in slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, and calm rivers. Look for them by gently scooping substrate from the bottom of these water bodies using a fine mesh net.
Adult During the emerging stage, common blue damselfly can be difficult to spot. They are often located on plants or rocks near water bodies where they metamorphose into adults. Look for shed exuviae on vegetation or structures near water.
Common blue damselfly adults are aerial and are commonly seen flying around water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands. To find them, visit these habitats on sunny, calm days, and watch for their distinctive flying patterns above the water.
Are Common blue damselfly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common blue damselfly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Naiads
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies
Common blue damselfly is a skilled hunter both in its aquatic naiad stage and as an agile flying adult. Naiads are aquatic predators, stealthily snatching prey with their extendable mouthparts. Adults capture prey mid-flight with their precise aerial maneuvers. Not only a spectacle of predation artistry, common blue damselfly's hunting activities benefit ecosystems by helping control pest populations.
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