It’s still a little early for orchids at MacLeod Field where I find them every June. But there was no shortage of these Ebony Jewelwing-Calopteryx maculata damselflies which, as with yesterday’s fly, is my favorite of the Zygoptera suborder.
These that I photographed this past Saturday were all females which can be told by the presence of a pterostigma, the white mark at the edge of each wing.
Although the moniker, jewelwing, is apt I always felt the body itself is more jewellike.
I was very happy to be able to get this head on shot and the colors really shine. Any small white specks you might see, especially if you look at the images full size, are pollen. This has been a banner year for the stuff and often one can see it as a cloud drifting out of a tree like the tall pine I saw the other day.
While not quite as ferocious as their relates the dragonflies, they do eat small insects both when nymphs and as adults.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
This damselfly did well by you, giving you at least three good pictures. If only that held true for all skittish our subjects.
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They take a bit of perseverance but that is true of most of the Odonates.
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Gender change would be pretty easy with a little bit of black indelible paint.
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And a very tiny brush.
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Lacewing would be an apt name, also, but that name is already taken.
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Both have such delicate features.
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Ha, what a coincidence, I just saw my first of the year on a walk not an hour ago. Great shots, Steve!
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Thanks, Eliza. These were my firsts of the year also.
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Damselflies willl eat each other, too. I once watched one consume another on the railing of a boat I was working on. It ate everything but the eyes, which I brought home and photographed. At the time, I didn’t have a macro lens yet, but I’ve still got the record of the event.
I’ve never seen one of these beauties — and it is beautiful. There are other damselfly species around the boats now, and they’re great fun to watch.
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That must have been a odd experience. Not watching the damselfly eat the other but to have just the eyes remaining.
The acrobatic ability of damselflies and dragonflies makes for some great entertainment.
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Those are spectacular shots Steve and the head on one is just top drawer.
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Thanks, Andrew. I was most pleased with the head on shot as I figured it would take flight as I got into position but luck was with me.
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I don’t remember seeing this, in person or here – what a beauty! And well-named. I’m wondering if the wingspots make the wings seem to have jewels on them when the damselfly is in flight.
And pollen, yes, dust all over the place. Some days, our cars are covered. A banner year here so far, for everything that grows.
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That could be a source for the name. I’ve seen literal clouds of pollen coming out of trees this year. I am sorry for those folks who are allergic to it. Inescapable right now for many. I’ve not bothered washing the car to this point but the season for the heaviest deposits has almost passed.
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Excellent captures, Steve, and I like the three positions and environments.
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Thanks, Ellen. A few different individuals, I think, but hard to tell them apart.
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Beautiful series of Ebony Jewelwing damselfly images Steve! And with Great Detail! I only had an opportunity to photograph them a couple of times.
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Thanks, Reed. They are a challenge but eventually settle down if you approach slowly.
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You certainly highlighted her beauty with these fabulous photographs!
I’ve worked up a sweat the past few days trying to locate one where I’ve seen them before. No joy yet.
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Here’s hoping you find your joy, Wally. It may be like many things…once you see one all of a sudden they’ll be everywhere. Thanks!
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Beautifully photographed, Steve! These are such fantastic little creatures. I love watching damsel flies and dragonflies here.
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Thanks, Ann. They are quite entertaining.
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I can understand why these are a favorite. I also love ebony jewelwings. I’m glad you mentioned the pollen. I’d been wondering what those specks were.
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This has been an incredible year for pollen and I can’t imagine what it has been like for those allergic to it. I’ve developed a couple of allergies as I age, one for blood pressure (just change the medication) and the other doxycycline (for tick bites but I haven’t needed to figure out a replacement for it yet) so I can just stop using them. Not so easy for a pollen allergy sufferer.
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These are a favorite of mine, as well although perhaps I have a different species here? Not sure. I am mesmerized by the detail in your photos. You can see the hairs on the legs! And, as you say, the jewel tones on the body. Wonderful!
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There are a few other Jewelwing species in the U.S. These do occur in your area and are the only ones aside from the white pterostigma with entirely black wings
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