Superb Jewelwing
Calopteryx amata
This record describes Calopteryx amata (species). Recorded family: Calopterygidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males bright green with brown wingtips Females are duller and lack the brown wingtips. They have a white stigma
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Calopterygidae (Broad-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Calopteryx (Jewelwings)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Small streams with lots of aquatic vegetation
Geographic Range
New Brunswick south to West Virginia, then a disjunct population in western North Carolina
Seasonal Activity
May through August
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Calopteryx amata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Superb Jewelwing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Stephen_WV , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Superb Jewelwing
What is Superb Jewelwing?
Superb Jewelwing (Calopteryx amata) is a species in the family Calopterygidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Superb Jewelwing?
Males bright green with brown wingtips Females are duller and lack the brown wingtips. They have a white stigma
Where is Superb Jewelwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small streams with lots of aquatic vegetation |
| Range | New Brunswick south to West Virginia, then a disjunct population in western North Carolina |
When is Superb Jewelwing active?
Superb Jewelwing: seasonal activity - May through August.