Pale Bluet
Enallagma pallidum
This record describes Enallagma pallidum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to Attenuated (E. daeckii) and Slender (E. traviatum) bluets. Very pale, and very faintly marked with black. Abdominal segment 7 black in males, partly blue in male Attenuated Bluets. Abdominal segment 2 has full-length black mark on top, only partial dark mark in Attenuated Bluet. See Lam, p.
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
Slow-moving rivers, ponds, canals
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States
Seasonal Activity
May-August (Virginia), April-August (Florida)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on other insects
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma pallidum. 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 Pale Bluet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Bluet
What is Pale Bluet?
Pale Bluet (Enallagma pallidum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Pale Bluet?
30-36 mm
How do you identify Pale Bluet?
Very similar to Attenuated (E. daeckii) and Slender (E. traviatum) bluets. Very pale, and very faintly marked with black. Abdominal segment 7 black in males, partly blue in male Attenuated Bluets. Abdominal segment 2 has full-length black mark on top, only partial dark mark in Attenuated Bluet. See Lam, p.
Where is Pale Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers, ponds, canals |
| Range | Southeastern United States |
What does Pale Bluet eat?
The diet of the Pale Bluet includes Predatory on other insects.
When is Pale Bluet active?
Pale Bluet: seasonal activity - May-August (Virginia), April-August (Florida).