American Bluets
Enallagma
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Odonata
- Suborder: Zygoptera
- Family: Coenagrionidae
- Genus: Enallagma
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Enallagma: /ɛnˈæləɡmə/
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Images
Summary
Enallagma, commonly known as bluets, is a large genus of damselflies in the family Coenagrionidae known for their blue coloration. They are primarily characterized by their wing position when at rest and their distinctive coloration.
Physical Characteristics
Adults range in length from 28 mm to 40 mm. Males are usually bright blue and black, while the coloration of females varies by species. Bluets can be distinguished from the similar vivid dancer by wing position; at rest, bluets' wings hang down on either side of their body, while vivid dancers hold their wings above their body. Bluets also have shorter leg spines.
Identification Tips
Look for bluets by their wing position at rest; their wings hang down on either side of their body, in contrast to vivid dancers which hold their wings above their bodies.
Habitat
Larvae are commonly found submerged in water bodies, often far from shore. The adults inhabit areas near water like ponds, lakes, and streams.
Distribution
North America; specifically, various species can be found in the Caribbean and across the continent.
Life Cycle
Eggs do not diapause and hatch after a couple of weeks. The larvae are typically submerged in aquatic environments.
Conservation Status
Enallagma doubledayi, the Atlantic bluet, is classified as 'least concern' by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to survival.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Enallagma
- Bluet
- damselflies
- Odonata
- Coenagrionidae