An Ebony Jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata) was spotted along a small stream located in Occoquan Regional Park, Fairfax County, Virginia USA.
05 JUN 2021 | Fairfax County, VA | Ebony Jewelwing (male)
This individual is a male, as indicated by his all black wings and terminal appendages.
05 JUN 2021 | Fairfax County, VA | Ebony Jewelwing (male)
Habitat
It’s easy to find Ebony Jewelwing. Look for a small stream in the forest.
Slow-flowing woodland streams, usually associated with herbaceous vegetation. Tend to be more at rapids when that habitat is present. Occur on open banks when trees nearby (trees essential for roosting at night). May be abundant at small streams in woods where very few other species are present. Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Locations 1249-1251). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.
Copyright © 2021 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Broad-winged Damselflies, Ebony Jewelwing damselfly, Family Calopterygidae, male, Occoquan Regional Park, terminal appendages
walter sanford's photoblog 
August 3, 2021 at 9:02 am |
A beautiful damsel beautifully photographed.
For me, one small edit: “It’s easy to find Ebony Jewelwing habitat.”
The damsels, that’s another story …
August 3, 2021 at 8:35 pm |
I’m surprised to read you’re struggling to find Ebony Jewelwing — they’re EVERYWHERE in Northern Virginia! Maybe it’s a Florida thing, like your struggle to find Common Whitetail.
August 3, 2021 at 9:37 pm |
It’s a matter of targeting. I’m currently working certain areas doing surveys for birds. Other species are targets of opportunity. The Common Whitetail occurs in northern FL but not in our area. Was visiting family in GA and almost stepped on one. Hopefully, I’ll soon be able to take trips to specific habitat for dragons and damsels!