Superb jewelwing

Calopteryx amata

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: threatened

IDENTIFICATION

Ranging from 2.0” to 2.2”, the superb jewelwing is the largest metallic green damselfly in New Jersey. Male superb jewelwings have a strikingly green head, thorax, and abdomen; their amber-colored hindwings are tipped in light brown. The head, abdomen, and thorax of the female may appear more bronze than their male counterparts and their hindwings are a lighter green color with a small, white stigma at the tip.

Distribution & Habitat

This rare damselfly is found along the eastern coast from Maine to North Carolina but is limited in New Jersey to northwestern Sussex County in areas with fast-moving streams, dense canopy and abundant stream vegetation.

Diet

Nymphs eat a wide variety of aquatic insects and larvae. The adult’s diet mainly consists of soft-bodied flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

Life Cycle

This jewelwing is active from early June through mid-July with peak activity occurring in June.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Due to its limited range and habitat vulnerability, the superb jewelwing is considered Threatened in New Jersey.

References

Text derived from the book, Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey. 2009. By Allen E. Barlow and Jim Bangma.

Edited and updated by Karena Di Leo in 2011.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Calopterygidae
Genus: Calopteryx
Species: C. amata