Enallagma
cyathigerum
(Northern Bluet)
Description:
Naiad-
This is a small naiad about ¾
inch (16 to 20 mm) long. It has the typical slender shape of immature damselflies.
They range in color from light to dark brown.
Adult-
This is a small damselfly 1 to 1
¼ inches (26 to 33 mm) long. The males are predominately blue on the sides of
the thorax, and the upper side of the abdomen. The lower abdominal appendages
are longer than the upper appendages. Females are greenish-yellow to brown.
The upper side of the abdomen is mostly black.
Range:
This species is found around
the world in northern latitudes. In North America it ranges from Alaska east
to Hudson Bay, and south to Virginia, Utah and California. In Idaho it is found
throughout the state.
Habitat:
This damselfly occurs
at lakes, ponds, and marshes, and streams with slow to moderate flow. It occurs
in a wide variety of habitats, from sagebrush desert to mountain lakes.
Adult Flight Season:
June 4 to August
27
Diet:
Naiad-
Naiads eat a wide variety of aquatic insects, including mosquito larvae, mayfly
larvae, and other aquatic fly larvae.
Adult-
Adults eat a wide variety of small soft-bodied flying insects, such as mosquitoes,
mayflies, flies and small moths. They will also pick small insects such as aphids
from plants.
Ecology:
This species is almost
identical to the Boreal Bluet, and even though they have similar ranges they
almost never occur at the same body of water. The reason for this separation
is not known.
Reproduction:
The males set up territories
at choice breeding sites. After males and females mate, the female Northern
Bluet oviposits, or lays eggs, in aquatic vegetation.
Conservation:
Populations
are widespread, abundant, and secure.
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Global Rank: | G5 |
State Rank: | S? |
References:
Corbet, P. S. 1999.
Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. Cornell University Press, Ithaca,
New York, USA, 829pp.
Logan, E. R. 1967. The Odonata of Idaho. Unpublished M. S. thesis. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA, 105 pp.
Needham, J. G. and M. J. Westfall. 1955. Dragonflies of North America. University of California Press, Berkely, California, USA, 615 pp.
Paulson, D. R. 1999. Dragonflies of Washington. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington, USA, 32 pp.
Walker, E. M. and P. S. Corbet. 1975. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska, Vol. III. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 307 pp.