Black-Winged Damselfly

Scientific name: Calopteryx maculata (Beauvois)
(Odonata: Calopterygidae)

Facts: The black-winged damselfly can be readily identified because it is the only species in Texas that has solid black wings. Males and females differ somewhat in wing coloration with males being darker winged. Naiads or aquatic nymphs of the black-winged damselfly are typically found in flowing streams. Damselflies are effective predators both as naiads and as adults. A wide variety of damselflies occur throughout Texas. Most of these cannot be accurately identified by anyone except damselfly specialists. All damselflies can be distinguished from dragonflies readily because damselflies hold their wings together over their back when at rest. Moreover, damselflies have their front and hind wings very similar in shape and size.

Photo credit: Blair Nikula