πŸͺ» Dragonflies & Damselflies

Ebony Jewelwing

Calopteryx maculata

About Ebony Jewelwing

A stunning damselfly with entirely jet-black wings (males) or smoky wings with white spots (females). Males perform a courtship display by opening and closing their dark wings.

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Did You Know?

Male ebony jewelwings perform a butterfly-like courtship dance, slowly fluttering their dramatic black wings to catch sunlight and impress females perched on streamside vegetation.

How to Identify Ebony Jewelwing

Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) belongs to the order Odonata, family Calopterygidae. Adults typically measure 39-57 mm body.

Ebony Jewelwing Habitat

Ebony Jewelwing is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Ebony Jewelwing Diet and Feeding

Ebony Jewelwing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Ebony Jewelwing Found?

Ebony Jewelwing can be found in North America, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Ebony Jewelwing can be found

Is Ebony Jewelwing Dangerous?

Ebony Jewelwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Ebony Jewelwing Role in Nature

Ebony Jewelwing plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Ebony Jewelwing are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Ebony Jewelwing

What does Ebony Jewelwing look like?

The Ebony Jewelwing typically measures 39-57 mm body.

Where is Ebony Jewelwing found?

The Ebony Jewelwing is found in North America and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.

What does Ebony Jewelwing eat?

The Ebony Jewelwing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Ebony Jewelwing dangerous to humans?

The Ebony Jewelwing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Ebony Jewelwing?

Male ebony jewelwings perform a butterfly-like courtship dance, slowly fluttering their dramatic black wings to catch sunlight and impress females perched on streamside vegetation.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ebony-jewelwing

MLA:
"Ebony Jewelwing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/ebony-jewelwing.