Scarlet bluet

Scarlet bluets inhabit acidic, sand-bottomed Coastal Plain lakes and ponds with ample floating vegetation. They are often seen perched in the open on water-lillies or emergent grasses closer to shore. Found throughout New Jersey along the Coastal Plain.

Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrate; adults on flying insects.

This species has a flight season beginning in mid-May and ending in mid-September. It is most abundant from late June through the end of July.

The principal threat is destruction or degradation of breeding habitat. Other threats include lowering water tables due to pumping, sewage and roadway run-off as well as residential and commercial construction. Destruction of surrounding uplands and fields deprives newly emerged adults of protection from predation and adverse weather.