American Rubyspot - Hetaerina americana (Fabricius, 1798)

This is a species of concern. Please report any encounters to Odonata Central.

Range & Habitat:
Found locally throughout much of the state


Usually along larger rivers


Flight Season:
Early Date: 20 May
Late Date: 1 November

Flight season charts created from records in the official database maintained by Allen Barlow.

Male Lateral - Photo by Jim Bangma
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Description:
A large damselfly, the males are readily recognized by the bold flash of red at the base of their wings.  Females have the reddish spot reduced or lacking and occur in two forms, with either greenish or coppery markings on the thorax.

Although other rubyspots are found throughout the country, this is the only one found in New Jersey and is unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Conservation Status:
State: S3 Rare in New Jersey
Global: G5 Secure globally, but possibly rare in parts of its range