NC Odonate Website

Related Species in CALOPTERYGIDAE:

Number of records for 2023 = 24

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Sparkling Jewelwing (Calopteryx dimidiata) by Mark Shields

Compare with: Superb Jewelwing Appalachian Jewelwing Ebony Jewelwing
Identification Tips: Move the cursor over the image, or tap the image if using a mobile device, to reveal ID Tips.
Note: these identification tips apply specifically to mature males; features may differ in immature males and females.

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Map

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

Flight Charts

Distribution

Nearly statewide, but seemingly absent from the northeastern third of the Coastal Plain -- the "Pamlimarle Peninsula" and the counties north of Albemarle Sound. Of spotty occurrence in the mountains, but likely present in all counties there except perhaps ones lacking low elevations (e.g., Yancey, Mitchell, Avery, Watauga).

Abundance

Locally common (to occasionally abundant) in the southern Coastal Plain, including the Sandhills. Uncommon (with relatively few recent records) throughout the Piedmont and central/northern Coastal Plain, except for the northeastern third of the latter province, where rare to absent. Very rare in the mountains. Seems to be declining in numbers in the Piedmont and mountains, and probably also in most of the central and northern Coastal Plain.

Flight

Early April to early October in the Coastal Plain, but so far just from mid-May to mid-September in the Piedmont. Though there are at least nine counties with records for the mountains, we have flight data only from early June to mid-August.

Habitat

Small to moderate streams as well as blackwater rivers, generally where fast-flowing and acidic, and not necessarily in forested areas (though favoring semi-shaded waters).

Behavior

The black wingtips of the males are very conspicuous and make the individuals much easier to spot in flight over their shaded creeks than would be if the wings were clear. However, this species is more often found in sunnier places -- wider creeks or rivers -- than is the more shade-loving Ebony Jewelwing.

Comments

Range maps in Paulson (2011) and Beaton (2007) show all of NC within the range of the species. This may be generous and "broad-brush", as it appears to be truly absent in northeastern NC and maybe absent in some of the northern mountain counties. The species is surprisingly rare in the mountains, considering its relative numbers in the Piedmont. Also, despite the heavy amount of odonate field work in the northeastern Piedmont, where many biologists live, there are no recent records there!

State Rank

State Status

Global Rank

Federal Status

Synonym

Other Name

Species account update: LeGrand on 2023-01-17 15:15:33

Photo Gallery for Sparkling Jewelwing 25 photos are shown.		Other NC Galleries: Jeff Pippen Will Cook Ted Wilcox
	Photo 1 by: Mike Turner Comment: Moore; C, 2022-06-25, Sandhill Game Lands - Drowning Creek at Thunder Rd.		Photo 2 by: Max Ramey, Aaron Reb Comment: Wilkes; P, 2021-07-17, Kerr Scott Dam/ Yadkin River (Dam to 1000 ft downstream)
	Photo 3 by: Matt Spangler Comment: Pender, 2021-05-24, Black River downstream of Hunts Bluff		Photo 4 by: Mark Shields Comment: Scotland, 2021-05-01, Lumber River State Park (LURI) - Chalk Banks
	Photo 5 by: Mark Shields Comment: Scotland, 2021-05-01, Lumber River State Park (LURI) - Chalk Banks		Photo 6 by: E. Conway, N. Williamson, M. Prinz Comment: Moore; C, 2020-07-29, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve - adult male at moccasin crossing
	Photo 7 by: B. Bockhahn Comment: Rockingham, 2020-06-24, Haw River State Park		Photo 8 by: Doug Allen Comment: Polk; P, 2020-06-11, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) - near stream
	Photo 9 by: Mark Shields Comment: Hoke, 2018-09-03, Lumber River, from Wagram Boating Access Area to Lumber River State Park-Chalk Banks boat ramp and back, by kayak		Photo 10 by: Mark Shields, Hunter Phillips, Cathy Songer Comment: Brunswick, 2018-09-01, Rice's and Town creeks, from Rice's Creek Boating Access Area to US 17 bridge, by kayak
	Photo 11 by: Mike Turner, Conrad Wernett, Alyssa Wernett Comment: Scotland, 2017-05-07, Sandhill Game Land; creek at SR 1328 (Hoffman Rd)		Photo 12 by: Mark Shields Comment: Jones, 2017-04-11, Island Creek trail, Croatan National Forest
	Photo 13 by: Mark Shields Comment: Robeson, 2016-09-25, Lumber River, between Boardman Boating Access and Piney Island Campsite		Photo 14 by: Mark Shields Comment: Columbus, 2016-08-27, Lumber River, between Boardman Boating Access and Lumber River State Park Princess Ann Access
	Photo 15 by: Mark Shields Comment: Pender, 2016-05-27, Black River between Henry's Landing and Hunt's Bluff Boating Access		Photo 16 by: Mark Shields Comment: Bladen, 2016-05-27, Black River between Henry's Landing and Hunt's Bluff Boating Access
	Photo 17 by: Conrad Wernett Comment: Jones, 2015-07-26 - Four counted, several others seen along Island Creek. Odd note, not a single male found.		Photo 18 by: Conrad Wernett, Alyssa Wernett Comment: Richmond; C, 2015-06-14 - Males and female in foliage along Lake McKinney drainage
	Photo 19 by: Kyle Kittelberger Comment: Moore; C, 2013-06-12, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve - seen along James Creek and at beaver ponds		Photo 20 by: Vin Stanton, Doug Johnston, Bud Webster Comment: Transylvania, 2012-08-15, Brevard area - Male & Female
	Photo 21 by: Vin Stanton, Doug Johnston, Bud Webster Comment: Transylvania, 2012-08-15, Brevard area - Male & Female		Photo 22 by: Ali Iyoob, Matt Daw, Dan Irizarry Comment: Richmond; C, 2011-05-05, McKinney Lake Fish Hatchery
	Photo 23 by: Lee Cramer Comment: Mecklenburg, 2010-07-06, Umbrella Trail, Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve - female		Photo 24 by: Beth Brinson Comment: Guilford, 2009-06-19, Haw River State Park - male
	Photo 25 by: E. Corey Comment: Cumberland, 2006-06-30, Carvers Creek State Park - In creek near Atlantic White-cedar