Small bright blue damselfly. Common at most US ponds.

Also called: Familiar Bluet

Native status: Native; widespread in eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 3–3.5 cm; wingspan 4 cm
Weight~0.05 g
LifespanAdults 1–2 months; aquatic larvae 1 year
OrderOdonata
FamilyCoenagrionidae

§ Encyclopedia

Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies but are usually smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along the body when at rest, unlike dragonflies which hold the wings flat and away from the body. Damselflies have existed since the Late Jurassic, and are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Source: Wikipedia — Damselfly Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Slender bright blue (males) or tan-brown (females) damselfly with black markings; wings folded over body at rest; black eye markings.

Similar species. Many similar bluet species (Northern, Marsh, etc.); expert ID required for definitive species.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: small flying insects (gnats, mosquitoes, midges). Larvae: aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior. Among the most common damselflies across most of North America. Males brilliantly blue with black markings; females duller. Mating pairs adopt the characteristic "wheel" or "heart" position visible at pond edges. Damselflies hold wings folded over body at rest (vs. dragonflies which hold them flat) — a key field-ID difference.

§ Range

Across North America

§ Habitat

Pond, marsh edges

§ Threats

Wetland loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the damselfly (familiar bluet) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain wetland habitats.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Odonata Central
  • iNaturalist
  • BugGuide