Aurora Damsel

Appearance

The male thorax is black dorsally and blue laterally with a small yellow patch on the lower part of the thorax. The abdomen is long and thin, mostly black with blue rings on segments 3 - 7, and blue with a pattern of black markings dorsally on segments 8 and 9. The wings are clear and the eyes are blue with no post-ocular spots. Females resemble the males, but are light brown where the male is blue. Females also show the lateral yellow thoracic patch.

Naming

Synonym: Erythromma conditum

Distribution

Primarily northeastern US

Behavior

This damselfly can be seen perched for fairly long periods of time on low vegetation around shorelines. It often perches like a spreadwing with its wings held partially separated.

Habitat

The Aurora Damsel is often found in bogs, small streams, vernal pools and quiet, clean lakes.