Orange Bluet
Enallagma signatum
This record describes Enallagma signatum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Orange and black, medium-sized. Note that segment 9 is all orange and orange eyespots connected, forming a bar . Very similar to Florida Bluet, Enallagma pollutum --can be distinguished by details of male cerci, see:
Wikipedia reference for Enallagma signatum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_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
Ponds, lakes, and other still-water habitats.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States through Great Plains. Parts of Ontario and Quebec; also southern New Brunswick (TT).
Seasonal Activity
Primarily a summer species in most of range, but all year in Florida.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small flying insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma signatum. 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 Orange Bluet (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by cotinis , Tony-2
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Bluet
What is Orange Bluet?
Orange Bluet (Enallagma signatum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Orange Bluet?
28-38 mm.
How do you identify Orange Bluet?
Orange and black, medium-sized. Note that segment 9 is all orange and orange eyespots connected, forming a bar . Very similar to Florida Bluet, Enallagma pollutum --can be distinguished by details of male cerci, see:
Where is Orange Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, and other still-water habitats. |
| Range | Eastern United States through Great Plains. Parts of Ontario and Quebec; also southern New Brunswick (TT). |
What does Orange Bluet eat?
The diet of the Orange Bluet includes Small flying insects..
When is Orange Bluet active?
Orange Bluet: seasonal activity - Primarily a summer species in most of range, but all year in Florida..