Coenagrionidae, Pond Damsel Family
"Most Wanted" Species
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The sprites are easily separated from all other damselflies by their small size and metallic green thorax without stripes. A tiny damselfly, the body length of this species varies from 0.9 to 1.2 inches. The male's thorax is bright metallic green above and pale green to blue sides. The abdomen is dark iridescent green above except for blue tip. It has more blue on the tip of the abdomen than the sedge sprite. The female is similar to the male but with less blue on the tip. The sedge sprite male is similar to the sphagnum sprite female, but the female has lighter dorsal markings near the end of the abdomen.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging throughout eastern United States and southeastern Canada, this species can be found at sphagnum bogs and fens. It is rare in Wisconsin, being known from a few bogs scattered around the state. However, due to its similarity to the sedge sprite, it may often be confused with that species.
Flight Season:
Throughout its range, the typical flight season is from early June to mid-August.
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