Sparkling Jewelwing
Calopteryx dimidiata
This record describes Calopteryx dimidiata (species). Recorded family: Calopterygidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Male has dark wingtips. Female usually has clear wings with white spot, though that is sometimes absent. Female sometimes has dark wingtips as well. Male Female
Wikipedia reference for Calopteryx dimidiata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calopteryx_dimidiata.
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
Streams, usually with sandy bottoms and in fairly open areas with little canopy of trees. Often associated with freshwater "eel-grass", e.g., Vallisneria americana , also called wild celery .
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States: Massachusetts and Kentucky south to Florida, eastern Texas. Found largely in the coastal plain on the Atlantic seaboard. Usually found in small colonies because dispersal is limited.
Seasonal Activity
April-September (Georgia). March-September (Louisiana). May-September (New Jersey).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Male patrols a territory 1-4 meters in diameter near oviposition sites, gives "cross" display, floating on the water over site, then gives rapid wingbeat display during courtship. Female oviposits underwater, usually submerging completely and starting to lay her eggs (160 in each daily bout) at the base of an aquatic plant .
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Calopteryx dimidiata. 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 Sparkling Jewelwing (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparkling Jewelwing
What is Sparkling Jewelwing?
Sparkling Jewelwing (Calopteryx dimidiata) is a species in the family Calopterygidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Sparkling Jewelwing?
Length 37-50 mm
How do you identify Sparkling Jewelwing?
Male has dark wingtips. Female usually has clear wings with white spot, though that is sometimes absent. Female sometimes has dark wingtips as well. Male Female
Where is Sparkling Jewelwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Streams, usually with sandy bottoms and in fairly open areas with little canopy of trees. Often associated with freshwater eel-grass, e.g., Vallisneria americana , also called wild celery . |
| Range | Southeastern United States: Massachusetts and Kentucky south to Florida, eastern Texas. Found largely in the coastal plain on the Atlantic seaboard. Usually found in small colonies because dispersal is limited. |
When is Sparkling Jewelwing active?
Sparkling Jewelwing: seasonal activity - April-September (Georgia). March-September (Louisiana). May-September (New Jersey)..
What is the life cycle of a Sparkling Jewelwing?
Male patrols a territory 1-4 meters in diameter near oviposition sites, gives cross display, floating on the water over site, then gives rapid wingbeat display during courtship. Female oviposits underwater, usually submerging completely and starting to lay her eggs (160 in each daily bout) at the base of an aquatic plant .