Even though I have learned to identify many dragonflies pretty well, I often feel clueless when it comes to damselflies. The differences between damselfly species are often subtle and difficult to see. I often get lost in trying to look at the relative size of eye spots or the length of various markings.
Fortunately for my self-esteem, there are some damselflies that I can confidently identify, like this female Ebony Jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata) that I spotted on Tuesday at Occoquan Regional Park. Ebony Jewelwings are the only damselfly species in our area with distinctively dark wings. It is even easy to distinguish the genders too, because only the females have white stigmas on each of their wings.
I was a little surprised this morning to learn that the male Ebony Jewelwings also have stigmas on their wings, but the stigma are black and do not show up very well on their black wings. According to a posting on the Nature Watch blog, “All damselflies (and dragonflies) have stigmas on their wings. A stigma (pterostigma) is a large, thick cell on the leading edge of the wing near the tip which helps stabilize the wing while the dragonfly or damselfly is in flight. It holds down vibration allowing increased speed during gliding flight. In many species the stigma is pigmented, in others, it is clear. Each wing has a stigma.”
I previously knew about stigmas, of course, but somehow thought of them as primarily decorative rather than functional elements. It is really cool to learn more about the physics of how that my magical little friends are able to fly. What really blows my mind, though, is thinking about how the world looks to them when viewed through their large, multi-faceted compound eyes. Wow!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I really appreciate the delicate beauty of this classy damselfly
I think that too often think we are attracted to brightly colored things that compete for our attention. I too really like the understated elegance of this damselfly. She whispers to us rather than shouts. The little white marks on her wings add that extra touch of class, like a strand of pearls with a little black dress.
It’s just perfect.
Thanks, Louella.
What a beautiful name for the damselfly matches her delicate visage captured so well, as always, Mike.
Thanks, Suzette. I totally agree that it is a beautiful name for a stunningly beautiful creature.
Pleasure 😊
Lovely, Mike. Sometimes the wings catch some iridescent light which I think might have contributed to the name.
I suspect that you are right, Steve, although in my personal experience I see a look more cool reflections coming from the shiny bodies than from the wings.
The detail on that image is incredible. Thanks Mike.
Thanks, John. It is a challenge when shooting at that close a range to get an angle from which most of the important bits are in focus. In this case, I really wanted the wings to be sharp and was happy that I was largely successful in achieving that objective.
Beautiful composition, Mike. The background frames it nicely.
Such gorgeousness 😀 Blessings and honor, Christine CSponsler
I love the exquisite details and simplicity. Very beautiful, Mike.
Thanks, Chris. I love trying to capture my subjects in an artistic way rather than just in a documentary way. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. I feel really good about the way that this one turned out, primarily for the reasons that you cited.
Very interesting!
Very Nice Mike! I have trouble ID’ing Damselflies!!