About Calopteryx angustipennis (Selys, 1853)
Calopteryx angustipennis, commonly called the Appalachian jewelwing, is the largest species of jewelwing damselfly. Adults measure between 50 and 67 millimeters, or 2 to 2.6 inches, in total length. This species can be distinguished from other jewelwings by a lack of dark coloration on its wings. Both males and females have a metallic green thorax and abdomen, black legs, and clear or amber wings with green veins running along the upper edge. Female Appalachian jewelwings have less vibrant abdomen coloration, with an especially dull abdominal tip, and pale brown patches on some areas of the thorax. The Appalachian jewelwing occurs throughout the eastern and southeastern United States, ranging from Alabama north to New York. It lives near rocky rivers and large streams, and it prefers woodland habitats with cold, fast-flowing water. The flight season, when mature winged adults emerge and begin flying, starts between April and May and ends between June and August, with timing differing across locations. Appalachian jewelwings typically perch horizontally on riffles or bank-side vegetation, and are most often found in small, scattered groups.
