Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly – 8/14/09

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 8/14/09

Observation Time: 11:20 a.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly

Scientific Name: Calopteryx maculata

Comments: Common along shallow forested streams. Adults perch on vegetation within a few feet of the water. Males are territorial and perform fluttering courtship displays. Females, which are bronze-colored with a distinctive white dot at the tops of their wings, oviposit in floating vegetation, often with the male guarding nearby.

More Information: Iowa State University BugGuide

Here’s a shot of a pair of ebony jewelwing damselflies at Beaver Brook, taken on 8/14/09. This photo shows an irridescent male guarding a bronze-colored female with the characteristic white dot at the top edge of her wings.

Male perched on vegetation in Beaver Brook.

Clear water flowing in Beaver Brook following unusually wet summer weather, 8/14/09.