Cherry Bluet
Enallagma concisum
This record describes Enallagma concisum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Overall color is blackish. Mature males extensively marked with red.
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
Sandy-bottomed lakes, ponds, sometimes sloughs, with emergent vegetation.
Geographic Range
Coastal Plain : North Carolina south to Florida, west to Louisiana.
Seasonal Activity
March-September (Louisiana). February-December (Florida).
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma concisum. 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 Cherry Bluet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Bluet
What is Cherry Bluet?
Cherry Bluet (Enallagma concisum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Cherry Bluet?
27-33 mm length
How do you identify Cherry Bluet?
Overall color is blackish. Mature males extensively marked with red.
Where is Cherry Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy-bottomed lakes, ponds, sometimes sloughs, with emergent vegetation. |
| Range | Coastal Plain : North Carolina south to Florida, west to Louisiana. |
When is Cherry Bluet active?
Cherry Bluet: seasonal activity - March-September (Louisiana). February-December (Florida)..