Species › Insects & Arthropods › River 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.

Spotted a River Jewelwing?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

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