Turquoise Bluet
Enallagma divagans
This record describes Enallagma divagans (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Males have turquoise blue sides of thorax, abdomen mostly black, segments 8 and 9 are blue. Guide TBA--PC (more on id--details from Lam)
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
Springs, rivers, seepages, bogs
Geographic Range
Eastern North America
Seasonal Activity
Spring
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma divagans. 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 Turquoise Bluet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Turquoise Bluet
What is Turquoise Bluet?
Turquoise Bluet (Enallagma divagans) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Turquoise Bluet?
Males have turquoise blue sides of thorax, abdomen mostly black, segments 8 and 9 are blue.
Where is Turquoise Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Springs, rivers, seepages, bogs |
| Range | Eastern North America |
When is Turquoise Bluet active?
Turquoise Bluet: seasonal activity - Spring.