Hetaerina titia
(Drury, 1773)
Smoky Rubyspot
Calopterygidae, Broad-winged Damsel Family
"Most Wanted" Species
"Most Wanted" Species
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is a large damselfly, varying from 1.5 to 2.0 inches for both genders. The male is black-reddish. The abdomen is black. The black wings have large red spots near the body. The coloration of the wings varies from nearly clear to smoky black. The female is more greenish than the male. The abdomen varies from green to dark brown. The wings also may have tiny white stigmas (near tips of wings).
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found in eastern United States, this species prefers streams and rivers with vegetation and rocks. In Wisconsin, this species has been found at just a handful of sites in southern Wisconsin.
Flight Season:
Range-wide, the flight season is spring to fall. Not well documented in Wisconsin, but sightings have been in August and September.
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
40%
(2)
(2)
60%
(3)
(3)
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 smoky rubyspot. © Dennis Paulson
Male smoky rubyspot
Male and female smoky rubyspot. © Dennis Paulson
Male and female smoky rubyspot