Calopteryx amata

Hagen, 1889

Superb Jewelwing

Calopteryx amata, commonly known as the superb jewelwing, is a in the . to North America, it occurs in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, with records extending south to Tennessee. As a member of the jewelwing group, it is characterized by the metallic coloration typical of the Calopteryx.

Calopteryx amata by (c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Apgar. Used under a CC-BY license.Calopteryx amata by Mike Ostrowski from North Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.Superb Jewelwing by Mike Ostrowski from North Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Calopteryx amata: /kæˈlɒptərɪks əˈmɑːtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Calopteryx by geographic range and specific characteristics. In the northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, it may occur with the related river jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis) and ebony jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata). Specific identification requires examination of , body proportions, and male clasping structures. The species name 'amata' (Latin for 'beloved') references its attractive appearance.

Images

Appearance

exhibit the characteristic metallic coloration of jewelwing . The body is slender with broad, often darkly pigmented or iridescent . Like other Calopteryx , males typically display more intense wing coloration than females. The wings are held together above the body when at rest, distinguishing damselflies from .

Habitat

Associated with forested streams and rivers, particularly in areas with moderate to fast current. Occupies riparian in both deciduous and mixed forest regions. are aquatic and require clean, well-oxygenated water.

Distribution

Eastern Canada and northeastern United States, ranging from Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces south through New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and into the Appalachian region as far south as Tennessee.

Seasonality

are active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through summer. Exact period varies with latitude, with northern active later into summer.

Life Cycle

development with aquatic larval stage. are laid in or near water on submerged vegetation. are aquatic , developing through multiple before emerging as winged . typically occurs in spring to early summer.

Ecological Role

function as aerial of small flying . Aquatic are important predators in stream , feeding on various aquatic including mosquito larvae and other small organisms.

Human Relevance

Serves as an for healthy stream due to its sensitivity to water quality. Valued by naturalists and photographers for its striking appearance. No significant negative economic impact.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Hermann Hagen in 1889, a prominent 19th-century odonatologist.

Conservation status

Not currently considered threatened, though like many aquatic , vulnerable to stream degradation and loss.

Tags

Sources and further reading