Stream-habitat
Guides
Argia
Dancers
Argia is the largest and most diverse genus in the damselfly subfamily Argiinae, comprising approximately 114 described species with additional species awaiting description. Members are commonly known as "dancers" due to their characteristic jerky, erratic flight pattern. The genus is restricted to the Western Hemisphere, with species ranging from North America through Central and South America and the Caribbean. Despite the genus name deriving from Greek for "laziness," these damselflies are notably active and alert predators. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with multiple revisions published between 1994 and 2022.
Argia moesta
Powdered Dancer
Argia moesta, commonly known as the Powdered Dancer, is a damselfly species in the family Coenagrionidae native to North America. Mature males develop a distinctive pale blue pruinosity—a waxy, powdery coating—over their bodies. The species is notable for its year-round activity in parts of its range and its tendency to form oviposition aggregations, where females select egg-laying sites based on the presence and posture of conspecifics.
Calopteryx amata
Superb Jewelwing
Calopteryx amata, commonly known as the superb jewelwing, is a damselfly species in the family Calopterygidae. Native 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 wing coloration typical of the genus Calopteryx.
Calopteryx angustipennis
Appalachian jewelwing
Calopteryx angustipennis, the Appalachian jewelwing, is a large damselfly endemic to the eastern United States. It inhabits rocky rivers and streams with cold, fast-flowing water, particularly in woodland settings. Adults are active from spring through summer, with emergence timing varying by latitude.
Calopteryx dimidiata
Sparkling Jewelwing
Calopteryx dimidiata, commonly known as the sparkling jewelwing, is a small damselfly species endemic to the eastern and southeastern United States. It is one of the smallest members of the family Calopterygidae, measuring 37–50 mm in length. The species inhabits sandy forest streams with fast-flowing water, particularly acidic streams with abundant riverside vegetation. Adults are active from spring through autumn depending on latitude, with males defending small territories and engaging in ritualized courtship flights.
Caudatella
Caudatella is a genus of mayflies in the family Ephemerellidae, established by Edmunds in 1959. Species within this genus are primarily distributed in western North America, with documented occurrences in Montana and other regions. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, particularly regarding species complexes such as C. heterocaudata and C. hystrix. Larval stages are aquatic and associated with stream habitats.
Cordulegaster
Golden-ringed Spiketails, Goldenrings, Spiketails
Cordulegaster is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Cordulegastridae, commonly known as golden-ringed dragonflies or spiketails. The genus contains approximately 30 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are characterized by their distinctive yellow or golden ring markings on the abdomen and, in females, prominent spikelike ovipositors used for inserting eggs into stream substrates. Several species are habitat specialists associated with forested streams and are of conservation concern, including C. heros, which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
Erpetogomphus compositus
white-belted ringtail
Erpetogomphus compositus, commonly known as the white-belted ringtail, is a clubtail dragonfly in the family Gomphidae. It inhabits streams and rivers in Central America and North America. The species is distinguished by its heavily striped thorax with a prominent white central stripe on the side, which gives it the common name. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Hylogomphus viridifrons
Green-faced Clubtail
Hylogomphus viridifrons, commonly known as the Green-faced Clubtail, is a dragonfly species in the family Gomphidae. It is a medium-sized clubtail characterized by distinctive green facial coloration. The species is found in eastern North America, where it inhabits clean, flowing streams and rivers.
Ophiogomphus
snaketails
Ophiogomphus is a genus of dragonflies in the family Gomphidae, commonly known as snaketails. The genus contains approximately 25 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Most species exhibit green markings on club-shaped abdomens, with males typically displaying more prominent coloration. The genus includes both widespread species and localized endemics with restricted ranges.
Palaemnema
shadowdamsels
Palaemnema is a genus of damselflies in the family Platystictidae, commonly known as shadowdamsels. They inhabit the New World tropics and subtropics, ranging from Arizona south to Peru and French Guiana. These insects are adapted to life in deeply shaded forest environments, particularly near small streams.
Somatochlora ensigera
Plains Emerald
Somatochlora ensigera, the plains emerald, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Corduliidae. First described in 1906 from Montana, this species inhabits slow-flowing streams and small rivers across the northern Great Plains of North America. Adults are active from June through September and exhibit distinctive male cerci that aid in identification.
Usingeriessa brunnildalis
Usingeriessa brunnildalis is a small crambid moth described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1906. It is known from California and Texas in the southwestern United States. The species has a distinctive wing pattern with dark brown forewings that are lighter in the median area and at the anal angle, contrasting with gray hindwings. The larval stage is aquatic, inhabiting rocks in streams where it feeds on algae.