Pine Barrens bluet

Enallagma recurvatum

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status: special concern

IDENTIFICATION

A small species about one inch in length that usually has more black than blue on the abdomen. The head has small blue spots. The female is patterned like the male but is black above and buff below with a small blue spot or pale green on the eighth abdominal segment.

Distribution & Habitat

This species inhabits shallow acidic Coastal Plain ponds with muddy substrates and ample vegetation. It also occurs along the shallow, muddy fringes of large lakes. The New Jersey Pine Barrens region may be the center of abundance for this species. It is often the most abundant damselfly present. Pine Barrens bluets have been found in most Coastal Plain counties.

Diet

Nymphs feed on aquatic invertebrate; adults on flying insects.

Life Cycle

Pine Barrens bluets have an early and brief flight season. They can be observed from early May through late June. They are one of the first damselflies encountered during the year.

Current Threats, Status, and Conservation

Although common in New Jersey, this species is rare from a global perspective. Its entire range lies within a region undergoing severe development pressure. Habitat degradation and lowering of water tables are primary threats. Destruction of surrounding uplands and fields deprives newly emerged adults of protection from predation and adverse weather. For these reasons, this is considered a Special Concern species 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.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Odonata
Family: Coenagrionidae
Genus: Enallagma
Species: E. recurvatum