Slender Bluet
Enallagma traviatum
This record describes Enallagma traviatum (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Abdominal segments 8 and 9 blue. Male has abdominal segment 10 black, with long appendages. Female has segment 10 blue. Middle segments black with blue rings. Large blue eyespots connected by narrow bar. Black shoulder stripes narrow.
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
Permanent ponds, lakes, often near woodlands.
Geographic Range
Includes eastern United States.
Seasonal Activity
Late May-September (New Jersey), June-July (Connecticut)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory on other insects.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Enallagma traviatum. 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 Slender Bluet (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Slender Bluet
What is Slender Bluet?
Slender Bluet (Enallagma traviatum) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Slender Bluet?
29-32 mm
How do you identify Slender Bluet?
Abdominal segments 8 and 9 blue. Male has abdominal segment 10 black, with long appendages. Female has segment 10 blue. Middle segments black with blue rings. Large blue eyespots connected by narrow bar. Black shoulder stripes narrow.
Where is Slender Bluet found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Permanent ponds, lakes, often near woodlands. |
| Range | Includes eastern United States. |
What does Slender Bluet eat?
The diet of the Slender Bluet includes Predatory on other insects..
When is Slender Bluet active?
Slender Bluet: seasonal activity - Late May-September (New Jersey), June-July (Connecticut).