River jewelwing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River jewelwing |
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Calopterygidae
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C. aequabilis
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| Calopteryx aequabilis Say, 1839
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The river jewelwing (scientific name: Calopteryx aequabilis) is a beautiful type of damselfly. It belongs to a group called "broad-winged" damselflies. This insect was first officially described by a scientist named Say in 1839. It is one of about 170 different kinds of Odonata (a group that includes damselflies and dragonflies) found across North America. You can find it from northeastern Alberta in Canada all the way to Newfoundland and south through most of the United States.
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What is a Damselfly?
Damselflies are amazing insects that are often confused with dragonflies. Both are part of the order Odonata. However, damselflies are usually smaller and more slender. When they rest, most damselflies hold their wings together over their back. Dragonflies, on the other hand, usually rest with their wings spread out flat. Damselflies are also weaker fliers than dragonflies. They often flutter around instead of zooming like dragonflies.
River Jewelwing Appearance
The river jewelwing has some cool features that help you tell it apart.
Male River Jewelwing
The male river jewelwing has a shiny body that looks like a mix of blue and green metal. It really catches the light! Its wings are mostly clear, but the very tips are black. This makes them look like they have little dark caps on their wings.
Female River Jewelwing
The female river jewelwing is a bit different. Her body is a duller brown color. Her wing tips are also smoky, not clear like the male's. But she has a special feature: small white spots near the tips of her smoky wings. These spots can help you identify her.
Young River Jewelwings (Naiads)
Before they become flying adults, river jewelwings live in the water as young forms called naiads. The naiad of the river jewelwing is pale brown. It has darker markings on its body, which help it blend in with the bottom of the stream. Naiads are like the underwater teenagers of the damselfly world!
River Jewelwing Habitat
River jewelwings love to live near water. They prefer small to medium-sized streams that flow through forests. These streams often have clear water and plenty of plants along the banks. This environment provides them with places to hunt for small insects and safe spots to lay their eggs.
