Species Insects & ArthropodsRiver Jewelwing

River Jewelwing

Calopteryx aequabilis

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of River Jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis)

The River Jewelwing is a beautiful damselfly of northern rivers, closely related to the Ebony Jewelwing but with narrower dark wing tips in males rather than fully black wings. Its metallic green-blue body glitters in sunlight along fast, clear rivers. Males flutter their wings in courtship displays while females assess territories.

Habitat
Fast, clear rivers and streams in forested areas
Diet
Adults: small insects. Nymphs: aquatic invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a River Jewelwing

The best time to see a River Jewelwing is May–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,217 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a River Jewelwing? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent River Jewelwing sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a River Jewelwing? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a River Jewelwing is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Rosy Rustic Moth
Rosy Rustic Moth
Hydraecia micacea
Ruddy Daggerwing
Ruddy Daggerwing
Marpesia petreus
Sachem
Sachem
Atalopedes campestris
Sand Wasp
Sand Wasp
Bembix americana
Sara Orangetip
Sara Orangetip
Anthocharis sara
Say's Cicada
Say's Cicada
Okanagana rimosa
Scorpionfly
Scorpionfly
Panorpa communis
Sculptured Pine Borer
Sculptured Pine Borer
Acmaeodera pulchella