NC Odonate Website

Related Species in CALOPTERYGIDAE:

Number of records for 2025 = 0

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Superb Jewelwing (Calopteryx amata) by Mark Shields

Compare with: Appalachian Jewelwing Sparkling Jewelwing Ebony Jewelwing
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Note: these identification tips apply specifically to mature males; features may differ in immature males and in females.

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Map

Click on county for list of all its records for Superb Jewelwing

Flight Charts

Distribution

The southern two-thirds of the mountains, if not the entire mountain region. The range map in Paulson (2011) shows that this region is a southerly disjunct area from central WV, with apparently no records for western VA. Thus, this Northeastern species might truly be missing from the northern counties of the NC mountains.

Abundance

Rare, to perhaps locally uncommon. Thankfully, there have been a handful of recent records -- five in 2022 alone. Except for a 2018 count of nine individuals, the peak one-day count appears to be only four individuals.

Flight

Flies from late May to mid-August.

Habitat

Rocky streams or rivers in wooded areas.

Behavior

Seems to always stay very close to rivers and large streams, often perching on rocks along such waters. Habitat and behavior in NC seem not to be well differentiated from Appalachian Jewelwing, though the Appalachian is much more widespread and also occurs in the warmer upper Piedmont.

Comments

The N.C. Natural Heritage Program considered this as a Watch List species in 2010. However, as there are so few recent data, and relatively few records overall, that Program elevated the species to the Rare List in fall 2012. Thankfully, the website received its first photo record, made by Owen McConnell in 2015 in Graham County, which was a new county record as well. In June 2018, several observers -- Mark Shields, John Petranka, and Sally Gewalt -- counted an excellent nine individuals and obtained photographs to document the record. And, as of 2020, there is now photographic documentation for five counties; perhaps there are now more observers/photographers in recent years, and more visits to the southern mountains (where few odonate enthusiasts live).

State Rank

S1S2

State Status

Global Rank

Federal Status

Synonym

Other Name

Species account update: LeGrand on 2023-01-17 15:06:10

The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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Photo Gallery for Superb Jewelwing 15 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: Max Ramey Comment: Swain, 2023-07-08, Oconaluftee River behind Oconaluftee Visitor Center (GSMNP) - At least 3 male and a female. Courtship observed.		Photo 2 by: Heather Pratt Comment: Clay, 2022-07-00, Fires Creek; iNaturalist Record #124877204
	Photo 3 by: Kevin Metcalf Comment: Yancey, 2022-06-19, Two seen, one male, one female		Photo 4 by: Kevin Metcalf Comment: Yancey, 2022-06-19, Two seen, one male netted, photographed, and released unharmed - one male, one female
	Photo 5 by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin Comment: Yancey, 2021-06-01, Along Cane River south of Burnsville - At least four males observed		Photo 6 by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin Comment: Yancey, 2021-06-01, Along Cane River south of Burnsville - At least four males observed
	Photo 7 by: Adrienne Copeland Comment: Clay, 2020-07-03, Fires Creek at Fires Creek Recreation Area, near Hayesville. iNaturalist record #59376687 - Female.		Photo 8 by: E Redick Comment: Yancey, 2019-07-00, South Toe River near Celo, 35.828762, -82.185622, iNaturalist Record #28891631
	Photo 9 by: iNat: mdunlavey Comment: Swain, 2019-06-21, - https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27383417		Photo 10 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Yancey, 2019-05-24, South Toe River along South Toe River Rd. at 35°45'40.6 - Male
	Photo 11 by: Mark Shields, John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Jackson, 2018-06-26, Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest - along Panthertown Creek		Photo 12 by: Mark Shields, John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Jackson, 2018-06-26, Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest - along Panthertown Creek
	Photo 13 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Graham, 2017-07-18, Santeetlah Creek at FS 81 bridge. Elevation 2,320 feet. - 1 male, 1 female.		Photo 14 by: John Petranka, Sally Gewalt Comment: Graham, 2017-07-18, Santeetlah Creek at FS 81 bridge. Elevation 2,320 feet. - 1 male, 1 female.
	Photo 15 by: Owen McConnell Comment: Graham, 2015-06-15, Santeetlah Creek at FS 81 bridge - male