''Calopteryx angustipennis'' is a species of

damselfly Damselflies are flying insects of the suborder Zygoptera in the order Odonata. They are similar to dragonflies, which constitute the other odonatan suborder, Anisoptera, but are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings alo ...

in the family

Calopterygidae The Calopterygidae are a family of damselflies, in the suborder Zygoptera. They are commonly known as the broad-winged damselflies, demoiselles, or jewelwings. These rather large damselflies have wingspans of 50–80 mm (compared to about 4 ...

known commonly as the Appalachian jewelwing. It is

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found els ...

to the United States, where it occurs in the southeastern and eastern states.

Description

The Appalachian jewelwing ranges in size from 50 to 67 millimeters (2 to 2.6 inches), making it the largest of the jewelwing damselflies. It is distinguishable from other jewelwing species by the absence of dark coloration on the wings. Both males and females have a metallic green

thorax The thorax or chest is a part of the anatomy of humans, mammals, and other tetrapod animals located between the neck and the abdomen. In insects, crustaceans, and the extinct trilobites, the thorax is one of the three main divisions of the ...

and abdomen, black legs, and clear or amber colored wings with green veins along the upper edge. In females, the abdomen coloration is less vibrant, with an especially dull tip, and some areas of the thorax are pale brown.

Distribution and habitat

The Appalachian jewelwing is found near rocky rivers and large streams throughout the southeastern and eastern United States, from

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = " Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County , LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham , area_total_km2 = 135,7 ...

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

. It particularly favors woodland habitats with cold, fast-flowing water.

Ecology and behavior

The flight season, when adults emerge in their mature winged form and take flight, begins between April and May and ends between June and August, varying by locale. The Appalachian jewelwing typically perches in a horizontal position on riffles or vegetation along banks, often in small, scattered groups.

References

Calopterygidae Odonata of North America Endemic insects of the United States Insects described in 1853 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot {{Calopterygoidea-stub