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American Rubyspot

Hetaerina americana

The American Rubyspot is a beautiful dragonfly with bright red spots on its wings. It loves to flutter around near water, showing off its colors to everyone who sees it.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American Rubyspot is a slender damselfly, instantly recognized by the brilliant, ruby-red spots at the base of its clear wings, especially prominent in males. Its body is metallic green to bronze, contrasting with a pale underside, making it distinctive among other damselflies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCalopterygidaeGenusHetaerina
American Rubyspot
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American Rubyspot

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each of its giant eyes is made of thousands of tiny lenses!

Its babies live underwater for years before they become flying adults!

Males flash their amazing red wing spots to scare off other males!

They can grab prey right out of the air while flying super fast!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobatics

American Rubyspot can quickly dart and hover thanks to two pairs of independently controlled wings that help it chase flying insects.

Ability

Underwater Survival

American Rubyspot nymphs can breathe underwater using specialized gills at their tail, allowing them to hunt and grow safely.

Ability

Ruby Flare

American Rubyspot has dazzling ruby-red wing patches that help males attract mates and defend their territory from rivals.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
50-70 mm
Size
35-45 mm
Lifespan
20-60 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Eats small flying insects, like mosquitoes and gnats.

Age differences: Nymphs eat aquatic invertebrates; adults eat flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • mosquitoes
  • gnats
  • midges
  • small flies
  • aphids

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet around dragonflies so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Rubyspot's wingspan?

50-70 mm

How big is American Rubyspot?

35-45 mm

How long does American Rubyspot live?

20-60 days

How fast can American Rubyspot fly?

15 km/h

What does American Rubyspot eat?

Eats small flying insects, like mosquitoes and gnats.

Where is American Rubyspot usually found?

Wetlands

How does American Rubyspot hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does American Rubyspot have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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