Bluets (Enallagma)

Bluets, as they are also called, constantly announce their presence to all humans who share space in their still water environment.

Along the southern half of North America, many bluet species fly year round. Six species represent the bluets here.

The most widespread Enallagma species, the Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile), gets top picture billing.

Their predominantly blue abdomen (except for the very bottom) serves as a good field identification clue.

Northern Bluets and Boreal Bluets (Enallagma boreale), not only look similar, they occupy similar habitat throughout much of the United States.

Compared to a different species, the Tule Bluet, for example, the Northern Bluet has more blue in the abdominal black and blue pattern.

The presence of a clear, dark segment (outlined with a light color box) on the second to last segment of the dragonfly abdomen in the bottom picture often indicates a female Northern Bluet. Female Boreal Bluets usually have more color inside the box.

The Purple Bluet (Enallagma cardenium), a colorful tropical species found in the Caribbean, also expands its range to Florida, and perhaps southern Georgia.

Like most of the Enallagma species, you need to get a feel for identifying the Tule Bluet (Enallagma carunculatum).

It's another very common pond damsel found at both lower and higher elevations across much of the United States.

The presence of more black than blue on the abdominal pattern (compared to other bluets in the area) usually serves as the best field identification clue.

© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels.