genus: Calopteryx

Jewelwings

This genus contains five North American species of large damselflies iridescent green in coloration.  Depending upon how the sunlight shines upon it, may show coppery or blue reflections.  In most species the broad wing (hence it's common name "Broad-wings") is of dark black or smoky brown coloration either at the tip or the entire wing.  The wings lack a stigma and may or may not show a black band.  Their legs are usually long and black with stiff spines.

Most females show a iridescent green and blue abdomen with narrow lateral pale stripes. Females wings appear much lighter and uniformly colored than that of the males and present with a white wing patch, not to be confused with a white stigma.  Females like the males may show a black band on the wings.

This genus has a butterfly-like flight and has elaborate courtship and territorial behaviors.

When perched the wings are held together over the abdomen and quite frequently can be seen flickering open and shut similar to that of butterfly.

Jewelwings breed in forest streams and rivers and can usually be observed perched on vegetation and rocks for long enough periods of time to get a good look.