Enallagma ebrium

(Hagen, 1861)

Marsh Bluet

Enallagma ebrium, commonly known as the marsh bluet, is a North American in the Coenagrionidae. It is closely related to E. hageni, with which it forms a mosaic spatial distribution pattern across eastern North America. The is known to the water mite Limnochares americana, which can affect its and maturation. Research indicates that damselflies exhibit in response to mite , with responses varying by age, sex, and mite intensity.

Enallagma ebrium by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Marsh Bluet, male by D. Gordon E. Robertson. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Enallagma ebrium by US Army Corps of Engineers. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Enallagma ebrium: /ɛˈnæ.ləɡ.mə ˈɛb.ri.əm/

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Identification

Enallagma ebrium is morphologically distinct from its close relative Enallagma hageni, despite genetic similarity between the two . The two species are rarely sympatric at local sites, with distributions forming a mosaic pattern where one species dominates across hundreds of square kilometers. Differences in reproductive structures are the primary morphological distinction between these species.

Images

Habitat

Associated with wetland environments. The occupies where it co-occurs with its E. hageni in a mosaic distribution pattern across eastern North America.

Distribution

North America, with documented records from Vermont and broader eastern North American distribution. The shows a mosaic spatial distribution pattern with E. hageni, forming patches of dominance across hundreds of square kilometers.

Host Associations

Limnochares americana - Water mite in Limnocharidae. Mature show higher and intensity of than prereproductive individuals. High mite numbers significantly depress of males and females and mature males, and delay maturation of females.

Life Cycle

progress through (newly emerged, not yet reproductively mature) to mature reproductive stages. Females deposit on submerged aquatic vegetation, with complete submersion during oviposition.

Behavior

Exhibits in response to mite . females increase grooming when challenged with low numbers of mites; mature individuals of both sexes increase grooming in response to high mite numbers. Males and females fly in tandem during mating; males release their grasp when females submerge to oviposit.

Similar Taxa

Enallagma hageniClosely related that is morphologically distinct but genetically very similar. The two species form a mosaic spatial distribution across eastern North America and are rarely sympatric at local sites.
Enallagma civileCongeneric marsh bluet with similar and general preferences; E. civile is a found in playa wetlands of the southern Great Plains.

More Details

Evolutionary significance

The mosaic distribution pattern between E. ebrium and E. hageni, despite genetic similarity and ecological equivalence, suggests that reproductive interference and assortative mating may play important roles in the early phases of non-ecological speciation by limiting opportunities.

Research history

Rosser Garrison published a taxonomic revision of the Enallagma in 1984, which included work on western United States . The specific evolutionary relationship between E. ebrium and E. hageni has been studied using AFLP markers and spatial analysis.