Wednesday, July 31, 2013

DOUBLE-STRIPED BLUET


How can you not be dazzled by this fine fellow, all dressed up in a snazzy turquoise that glows like neon? Surely you've noticed them, zipping about to perch momentarily on a weed stem or grass blade near a pond or slow-moving stream. 

As a species, Double-Striped Bluets (Enallagama basidens) were once limited to the Southwest Region of the U.S. But over the last century, they've gradually expanded their range north and east, all the way into New England and lower Ontario. 

Identification is pretty easy—especially on the males. Look for two black shoulder stripes divided by a narrow band of blue. No other damselfly sports this divided shoulder marking. Females and immatures can be tannish-brown-to-olive instead of blue, but they'll still have the characteristic double-stripe.

While not the biggest damselfly in the pack at 21-28 mm, their gaudy color easily catches the eye. And when you can blaze for the ladies like a bright blue arc-lamp, does size really matter?       

12 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

What an absolute beauty Grizz.
My friend goes to her local nature reserve every Wednesday morning. They put moth traps out on Tuesday evenings and do a moth count. Sometimes they get over 100 species - some in the most amazing colours.

Scott said...

The blue of the eyes doesn't exactly complement the neon blue of the body, but this damselfly is a dazzler!

I think it's wonderful that a commercially unimportant, non-pestiferous species like a damselfly would have a range expansion history. I recognize that entomologists (professional and amateur) have been studying odonates for a long, long time (like Lepidoptera), so if any groups of species would have such histories, it would be these showy insects.

Gail said...

HI GRIZ - great picture and wonderful info with a nice touch of humor and class. You have such a way.....

I have been off line since Monday - the Tech guy was here - did a temporary fix and will be back tomorrow to re-wire from the pole outside. Pkus, I have been under the weather myself - fighting/managing some stuff. Sigh....
Love to you
Gail
peace......

Grizz………… said...

Weaver…

Moths and butterflies span the rainbow in colors—many so vivid they can hardly be believed. I'm confused enough identifying butterflies; moths, of which there are a gazillion, are simply beyond my grasp. But I love to photograph them, of course.

Grizz………… said...

Scott…

Yup, the eyes are more indigo, while the body is turquoise…and no, they don't exactly compliment one another.

I believe this particular damselfly was first noted and described in Texas. I don't know that anyone can tell you why they began expanding their range east and north…but there's likely a tie-in to the way we've rearranged the landscape—and little we've done has, ultimately, ever been for the better.

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Wondered where you'd been—then saw your post on FB. Isn't it awful how much we miss the Internet? I know I do, and I'm not at all a techie guy. But like it or not, digital and being connected has invaded my life.

Anyway, glad you're getting things fixed.

Giggles said...

Gorgeous.

Grizz………… said...

Giggles…

Yup…and the photo doesn't reveal the full neon turquoise blaze.

Giggles said...

Wait. Youse guys are on the Facebook!?

Grizz………… said...

Giggles…

Uuhhh, yeah…though I pretty much lurk and read what friends and family post. I have practically nothing Facebooky to say—maybe post twice a year. So in that respect, I'm a dud.

Thelma said...

This is cool!

Grizz………… said...

Thelma…

About as cool as bug colors get! :-)