Atlantic Bluet
Enallagma doubledayi
This record describes Enallagma doubledayi (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Shorter terminal appendages on the male than Familiar Bluet , Enallagma civile , otherwise nearly identical. No black patches on the sides of abdominal segments 8 and 9 .
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
ponds along the coastal plain
Geographic Range
The Southeast, and the Northeast coastal area
Seasonal Activity
mid May to Late October
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma doubledayi. 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 Atlantic Bluet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Atlantic Bluet
What is Atlantic Bluet?
Atlantic Bluet (Enallagma doubledayi) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Atlantic Bluet?
27-37mm long
How do you identify Atlantic Bluet?
Shorter terminal appendages on the male than Familiar Bluet , Enallagma civile , otherwise nearly identical. No black patches on the sides of abdominal segments 8 and 9 .
Where is Atlantic Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | ponds along the coastal plain |
| Range | The Southeast, and the Northeast coastal area |
When is Atlantic Bluet active?
Atlantic Bluet: seasonal activity - mid May to Late October.