The Dragonflies and Damselflies of North Carolina
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North Carolina's 189 Odonate species

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Related Species in CALOPTERYGIDAE: Number of records for 2024 = 0
Added in 2024 from a previous year = 1

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Superb Jewelwing (Calopteryx amata) by Mark Shields
Compare with: Appalachian Jewelwing   Sparkling 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 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 SR
Global Rank G5
Federal Status
Synonym
Other Name
Species account update: LeGrand on 2023-01-17 15:06:10

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