Ebony Jewelwing

From Common Jewelweeds to Ebony Jewelwings (not to mention Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Golden-backed Snipe Flies, Great Golden Digger Wasps, and Silver-spotted Skippers), there's treasure out in nature. These damselflies (relatives of, but not dragonflies) are likened to jewels because of the blue-to-green sheen that the males have. (Females look similar except they lack the sheen.)

Odonates seem to have different preferences regarding perches. Many like low branches over water, others like hanging on reeds at/near water, a few are happy on the ground, and others seem content near to top of smallish plants. I'll frequently see Common Jewelwings on the leaves of low-hanging trees and shrubs. (Of course there are places they could be hanging out that I wouldn't notice, like if they enjoyed the top of tree canopies.)

June 21, 2023 at Fairview Farm
Photo 301211287, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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