Insects Active during the day

American Rubyspot

Hetaerina americana

iNaturalist Wikipedia

With wings tipped in shimmering crimson and a body of polished emerald, the American Rubyspot is the crown jewel of North American waterways. Watch for its graceful, fluttering flight along sun-drenched riverbanks and garden streams.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Length 3.6 to 5.2 cm (1.4–2.0 in); Wingspan approximately 5 to 7.5 cm (2–3 in)

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Colors

Males feature brilliant ruby-red patches at the wing bases and a lustrous red head/thorax; both sexes have a metallic emerald green abdomen; females have amber-tinted wing bases.

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Key Features

Vibrant red patches at the base of the wings in males
Iridescent metallic green abdomen on both sexes
Broad wings with complex veining patterns
Distinctive perching posture on riverside rocks or vegetation

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 10 AM - 4 PM

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Season May-September (Northern regions); Year-round (Tropical regions)

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Diet Carnivorous predator that hunts small aerial insects including mosquitoes, gnats, midges, and small flies using a sit-and-wait foraging strategy.

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Habitat Edges of flowing freshwater including rivers, streams, and creeks, particularly those with rocky substrates and overhanging vegetation.

public Geographic range

Where Does the American Rubyspot Live?

Native to the North American continent, the American Rubyspot boasts an expansive range that stretches from southern Canada throughout almost the entire contiguous United States. It continues southward through Mexico and into parts of Central America, reaching as far south as Honduras. These damselflies are highly adaptable but remain strictly tied to permanent moving water sources across these varied landscapes.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

6 Countries

12.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States MX Mexico CA Canada GT Guatemala HN Honduras SV El Salvador

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,100 m

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The American Rubyspot is a highly active and territorial damselfly commonly found near moving water. Unlike many other damselflies that prefer the stillness of ponds, this species is a specialist of streams and rivers. Males are known for their aggressive defense of perching sites, often engaging in rapid, spiraling aerial dogfights with rivals to secure the best spots for attracting females. Their flight is more rhythmic and fluttering than the darting motion of dragonflies, occasionally appearing butterfly-like as they patrol the shoreline.

These insects spend a significant portion of their day 'sallying' from a chosen perch—meaning they fly out to snatch a small insect from the air and immediately return to the same spot to consume it. They are diurnal and rely heavily on the sun's warmth to maintain the energy levels required for their high-speed territorial displays. During the heat of the day, you may see them 'obelisking,' or raising their abdomens toward the sun to regulate their body temperature.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the American Rubyspot on camera requires focusing on their predictable perching habits. These damselflies are creatures of habit and will often return to the exact same twig, reed, or rock after a hunting flight. To get a high-quality shot, identify a prominent piece of vegetation overhanging a sunlit stream and position your camera on a tripod or mount just 18 to 24 inches away. Using a macro lens or a camera with a close-focusing AI sensor is essential for capturing the metallic texture of their bodies.

Lighting is the most critical factor for this species. To make the 'ruby' spots pop and the green abdomen shine, aim to have the sun at your back or at a 45-degree angle to the subject. Mid-day light, which is usually avoided in landscape photography, is actually ideal here because it activates the insect's iridescence. If your camera allows for manual shutter speed, set it to at least 1/1000th of a second to freeze the motion of their wings, which beat even while they are temporarily perched.

For backyard enthusiasts, you can 'bait' these insects into view by providing the ideal habitat. If you have a water feature with a pump or fountain that creates movement, place a few tall, slender bamboo stakes or native grasses near the splashing water. The American Rubyspot will use these as lookout towers. Configure your AI camera's motion sensitivity to high, as the small profile of a damselfly can sometimes be ignored by sensors calibrated for larger mammals or birds.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with American Rubyspot.

Smoky Rubyspot

The Smoky Rubyspot has much darker, brownish wings and the red spot on the male is less defined and often blends into the dark wing color.

Ebony Jewelwing

Lacks the red wing spots entirely; has solid metallic black wings and a bright neon-green body.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are most active during the warmest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is brightest and provides the thermal energy they need for flight.

Provide a moving water feature like a bubbling fountain or artificial stream, and plant tall native grasses or install thin perching sticks near the water's edge in a sunny location.

They are aerial predators that eat small soft-bodied insects, specifically mosquitoes, gnats, and midges, which they catch mid-air.

Yes, they are common in suburban areas provided there is a nearby creek, river, or a well-maintained garden pond with moving water and plenty of sunlight.

Look for the distinctive bright red patches at the very base of the wings in males; most other damselflies have clear, amber, or entirely dark wings without that specific 'rubyspot' at the base.

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