E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Calopteryx aequabilis
River Jewelwing
Family: Calopterygidae

Species account author: Robert Cannings.
Extracted from Introducing the Dragonflies of British Columbia and the Yukon (2002)

Introduction to the Odonata of BC
The Families of Odonata of BC

Distribution of Calopteryx aequabilis in British Columbia

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Species Information

Description

Metallic green; males have blue reflections. Long, black legs bear long spines. Males have dark-brown wingtips and no pterostigmas. Females' wing bases are shaded yellow-brown; wing tips are brown, pterostigmas white. Length: ♂ ♀ 47 mm.

Flight Period

B.C., mid June to early September.

Biology

Family Description

The most spectacular damselflies in Canada: large with metallic-coloured bodies and broad, densely veined wings, often coloured. Larvae develop in streams, clinging to plant stems and roots; they can be distinguished by their long antennae - the first segment is longer than all the others combined. Only one jewelwing lives in British Columbia.

Field Notes

Lives along small warm rivers and slow streams where the adults fly with a dancing, butterfly-like motion and perform striking courtship displays.

Distribution

Transition. In B.C., found only along Christina Creek at Christina Lake in the southern interior.

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Native	S3	Blue	Not Listed

BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Taxonomic details from OdonataCentral

Additional Photo Sources

Photos from OdonataCentral
Flickr Image Search
Google Image Search
Images from Calphoto

General References

Searchable Dragonfly & Damselfly Bibliography, 1773 - present
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2025-04-18 7:00:39 PM]

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