Tule Bluet
Enallagma carunculatum
This record describes Enallagma carunculatum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Most abdominal segments half or more black above.
Wikipedia reference for Enallagma carunculatum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tule_bluet.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Enallagma (American Bluets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Rivers, lakes and open ponds
Geographic Range
Northern half of US, south to Oklahoma, New Mexico, west to California Odonata Central map
Seasonal Activity
March to November (Odonata Central data)
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma carunculatum. 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 Tule Bluet (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Tule Bluet
What is Tule Bluet?
Tule Bluet (Enallagma carunculatum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Tule Bluet?
27-37 mm long
How do you identify Tule Bluet?
Most abdominal segments half or more black above.
Where is Tule Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes and open ponds |
| Range | Northern half of US, south to Oklahoma, New Mexico, west to California Odonata Central map |
When is Tule Bluet active?
Tule Bluet: seasonal activity - March to November (Odonata Central data).