When you first catch sight of the fluttering flight of an Ebony Jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata) from a distance, it’s easy to think that it is a butterfly.
These damselflies are really weak fliers and they flutter slowly from one location to another nearby spot. Although they perch, they tend to do so on low vegetation and they don’t remain in one spot for very long, which makes it a challenge to get a decent photograph of one of them.
Their dark wings make them unusual and distinctive—all of the other damselflies that I have seen had clear wings—and help to set off the beautiful emerald color of their bodies.
According to bugguide.com, the Ebony Jewelwing’s scientific name Calopteryx maculata comes from the Greek “kalos” (beautiful) + “pteron” (wing or feather) and “macula” (a spot), a reference to the white spot near the tip of the female’s wing.
Ebony Jewelwing damselfly with opened wings
Ebony Jewelwing damselfly in a raised position with closed wings
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Stunning little creature.
Indeed they are. I am amazed at the beauty that I am finding now that my eyes are more attuned to it.
I just realized that I have no idea what damselflies eat. I’m going to have to look it up. I wish they’d sit still a little longer. You must have been quick with the shutter release.
I was snapping away like crazy. I wanted to catch the damselfly with open wings and managed to do so after quite a few attempts. (A couple of times I was too close and the wings expanded so much that they were cut off.)
You have amazing persistence with these beautiful creatures. Beautiful photos!
Absolutely beautifully captured!
You are collecting quite a good set of dragon-damselfly photos, Mike. Great job of finding and IDing the diversity in your marsh. The park should hire you to put together a booklet for them.
Thanks for your kind words, Sue. I think that the park already has such a booklet. This spring/summer, I am definitely am searching a bit harder for photo opportunities and new species. In the past, I mostly saw the same limited set of species, because I stuck to the same habitat. I’m gradually learning about the micro-habitats preferred by certain species. For a guy with a liberal arts background, I’m getting awfully scientific as I attempt to identify the subjects that I have shot. 🙂
What a beauty! Great pictures, Mike!
I have always loved dragon- and damselflies, but I think this is the most elegant beauty I have ever seen. And as always, your photos are exquisite, Mike. 🙂
How well captured – so interesting to find that the wings of this damselfly are dark –