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This is a widely spread genus of small to medium size
Pond Damsels with 35 species residing in North America, most showing similar characteristics
within the genus. The males of most species are colored in various combinations of blue
and
black, but some are red, orange, yellow or lavender. The thorax is
patterned with distinct stripes and the abdomen is variably patterned
with black. Most bluets have postocular spots and/or an intra-occular
line. Wings are generally clear with short thick stigmas. The shape and size of the postocular spots and intra-occular line
can help in ID. Wings are generally
hyaline with short thick stigmas. Females abdominal and
thoracic patterning is similar to that of the males but of either
olive/brownish or pale/tan colorations, or in some species may even be
colored like the males with the exception that they have more black on
the abdomen. Females have a ventral spine located on segment
eight, distinguishing them from other pond damsels. |
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Bluets are weak fliers and don't usually venture out too
far from cover. When perched, they can usually be found holding
their wings along side their abdomen. Bluets being so
numerous in species can be found around almost any body of water, but
prefer quiet still waters such as ponds, lakes, and small streams.
Bluets can sometimes propose a problem in identification. With so
many species looking so similar sometimes the only way to identify them
is through in-hand examination. The shape and size of the
postocular spots and intra-occular line along with inspection of the
genitalia can be helpful. |