Calopteryx maculata
(Palisot de Beauvois, 1805)
Ebony Jewelwing
Calopterygidae, Broad-winged Damsel Family
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This large green damselfly has dark colored wings. The females have small white spots near tips of wings (stigmas). The length of the body varies from 1.5 to 2.2 inches for both genders.
Description of Habitat/Range:
This species is common throughout eastern United States and parts of Canada. It is usually found at a variety of streams and rivers, including streams with intermittent rapids and emergent vegetation. Riparian trees providing shade seem to be one of preferences for its habitats. The ebony jewelwing tends to be found at smaller forested streams than the river jewelwing. This species is very common and widespread at flowing waters throughout Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Late May to late August in Wisconsin.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
3%
(32)
(32)
46%
(455)
(455)
39%
(385)
(385)
11%
(106)
(106)
1%
(11)
(11)
Shading illustrates monthly percentages of the total flight season records for the species.
Each flight season record is a unique date/location/observer combination where one or more adult or an
exuvia was recorded (excludes nymphs). The actual number of flight season records for each month is shown
in parentheses.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
Flight seasons begin earlier in the southern part of the state, often by a week or more. Also, flight charts may not be accurate for rare species because of few data available.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Male ebony jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Male ebony jewelwing
Male ebony jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Male ebony jewelwing
Female ebony jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Female ebony jewelwing
Immature female ebony jewelwing. © Dan Jackson
Immature female ebony jewelwing
Ebony jewelwing pair. © Dan Jackson
Ebony jewelwing pair