Aurora Damsel
ExploreInsects
Aurora Damsel
chromagrion conditum
The Aurora Damsel (Chromagrion conditum) is a striking and unique damselfly native to eastern North America. As the sole member of its genus, it stands out not only taxonomically but also through its beautiful coloration and distinct posture. While most pond damselflies rest with their wings folded tightly over their backs, the Aurora Damsel frequently perches with its wings held partially open at a forty-five-degree angle. They are typically found near clean, shaded wetlands, slow-moving streams, and spring-fed seeps, where they play a vital role in controlling small insect populations. Use the Snappit app to scan, identify, and learn about Aurora Damsel in real-time.
Habitat: Found near spring-fed streams, shaded seeps, fens, and slow-moving boggy channels in forested areas.
Appearance
The Aurora Damsel is a medium-sized damselfly measuring between 3 and 4 centimeters in length. It is easily recognized by its vibrant color pattern, featuring bright, glowing yellow-orange sides on its thorax that contrast with a black and bright blue top. The male's abdomen is mostly black with a conspicuous bright blue tip on segments eight and nine. Its wings are clear and slender, and unlike other pond damsels, they are often held half-open when at rest.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCoenagrionidaeGenusChromagrion
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is the only species in the genus Chromagrion, making it a taxonomically unique member of the pond damselfly family.
The common name 'Aurora' refers to the bright, sunrise-like yellow coloration on the sides of its thorax.
While most pond damselflies hold their wings closed when resting, the Aurora Damsel holds them half-open, mimicking spreadwing damselflies.
Special abilities
Ability
Angled Wing Perching
Unlike most members of its family who fold their wings completely, this species rests with its wings held partially open, aiding in thermoregulation and rapid takeoff.
Ability
360-Degree Vision
Equipped with large, spherical compound eyes, it can detect the slightest movement of prey or predators in almost any direction.
Ability
Aquatic Gill Breathing
In its larval nymph stage, it utilizes three caudal gills at the tip of its abdomen to extract oxygen directly from water.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 3+ cm
- Wingspan
- 4+ cm
- Weight
- 0.00005+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Top Speed
- 15 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 100+
- Incubation
- 10+ days
Diet & Feeding
Both the aquatic nymphs and aerial adults are opportunistic predators, feeding heavily on small insects and other invertebrates.
Age differences: Nymphs hunt underwater for aquatic larvae and tiny crustaceans, while adults hunt in the air for flying insects.
Primary Foods
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Small flies
- Mayflies
- Aquatic insect larvae
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Green Frog
Lithobates clamitans
Larval and adult Aurora Damsels are common prey for frogs residing in the same wetland habitats.
hunts
Common Midge
Chironomus plumosus
Adult Aurora Damsels actively catch and consume midges in flight along stream banks.
eaten by
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
This flycatcher preys on adult damselflies, including the Aurora Damsel, near stream corridors.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Aurora Damsel?
The easiest way to identify Aurora Damsel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Aurora Damsel?
3+ cm
What is Aurora Damsel's wingspan?
4+ cm
How much does Aurora Damsel weigh?
0.00005+ kg
How long does Aurora Damsel live?
1+ years
How fast can Aurora Damsel move?
15 km/h
What does Aurora Damsel eat?
Both the aquatic nymphs and aerial adults are opportunistic predators, feeding heavily on small insects and other invertebrates.
Where is Aurora Damsel usually found?
Found near spring-fed streams, shaded seeps, fens, and slow-moving boggy channels in forested areas.
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