Fundy Nature Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes ²

Aurora Damsel, Agrion à taches jaunes
(Chromagrion conditum)

Adult size: 31-39 mm

Habitat/Status: This is an uncommon to locally common species in the Maritimes. It is found mostly in well-vegetated backwaters of spring-fed, clear streams, clean lakes, cattail marshes and ponds.

Typical flight period: In the Maritimes, flies from early June until early August (dates May 30th NB – August 25th NB).

ID hints: Although superficially resembling a large bluet, the Aurora Damsel often holds its wings spread like a spreadwing, a unique habit in the Pond Damsel family (Coenagrionidae). The thick, wavy black stripe on the dorsal surface of the thorax and the absence of eye spots are also distinctive features. It lacks shoulder stripes through the blue, further distinguishing it from the bluets. Finally, the combination of the intense sky-blue markings and bright yellow patch on the lower thorax is also a singular trait of this wonderful damselfly, the only species in its genus on our planet.

Nature Notes: This is a somewhat common and widespread species throughout the region, but generally not abundant at any single site.

• This species is the only one in its genus in the world. As mentioned in the ID hints, it has many unique features and given its habitat preferences, further research could establish this very interesting, colourful species as a good indicator of “higher quality” waters. It would be interesting indeed to correlate this species’ occurrence with different habitat quality metrics in greater detail. For example, as current records indicate, it is certainly restricted in its occurrence on Prince Edward Island, which has been the most severely impacted by human disturbance of the three Maritime Provinces.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Denis Doucet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Denis Doucet
2. (c) Denis Doucet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

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