Aurora Damsel
Chromagrion conditum
This record describes Chromagrion conditum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Large black patch on top of thorax, with wavy edges.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Chromagrion (Aurora Damsels)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Spring fed streams and clean lakes
Geographic Range
e. NA, mostly east of the Mississippi - Map
Seasonal Activity
Late April to early August
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chromagrion conditum (Selys, 1876)
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Chromagrion conditum. 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 Aurora Damsel (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Aurora Damsel
What is Aurora Damsel?
Aurora Damsel (Chromagrion conditum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Aurora Damsel?
31-39mm long
How do you identify Aurora Damsel?
Large black patch on top of thorax, with wavy edges.
Where is Aurora Damsel found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Spring fed streams and clean lakes |
| Range | e. NA, mostly east of the Mississippi - Map |
When is Aurora Damsel active?
Aurora Damsel: seasonal activity - Late April to early August.