Insects Active during the day

Boreal Bluet

Enallagma boreale

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A hardy gem of the North, the Boreal Bluet brings a striking dash of sky-blue to backyard ponds and mountain wetlands alike. These delicate predators are the master aviators of the shoreline, dancing among the reeds throughout the summer months.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

28–36 mm (1.1–1.4 inches) in length; wingspan of approximately 35–45 mm

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Colors

Males are bright sky-blue with black bands; females are polymorphic, appearing either pale blue or olive-tan with heavy black markings

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Key Features

Mushroom-shaped black spot on the second abdominal segment (males)
Large blue 'eyespots' on the back of the head
Wide black humeral stripe on the thorax
Delicate, needle-like body held horizontally when perched

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-August

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Diet Carnivorous; adults hunt small flying insects like gnats, mosquitoes, and midges, while aquatic nymphs eat mosquito larvae and small crustaceans.

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Habitat Edges of freshwater lakes, ponds, bogs, and slow-moving streams, especially those with plenty of reeds and grasses.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Boreal Bluet Live?

Native to the northern reaches of North America, the Boreal Bluet is one of the most cold-tolerant damselfly species on the continent. Its range spans from the wilds of Alaska across the entirety of Canada, reaching down into the northern United States and following the high-altitude peaks of the Rocky Mountains as far south as New Mexico. It is a signature species of the boreal forest and alpine wetland ecosystems.

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2 Countries

15.2M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

CA Canada US United States

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Boreal Bluet is a quintessential 'pond damselfly,' known for its delicate, dancing flight over the surface of still waters. Unlike their more robust dragonfly cousins, these damselflies prefer to stay close to the shoreline, frequently perching on emergent vegetation like sedges or lily pads to rest and survey for prey. They are most active during the warmest hours of the day, using their large compound eyes to track tiny flying insects.

Socially, they are often seen in 'tandem pairs,' where the male uses specialized appendages to grasp the female behind the head. This behavior is a common sight in late spring and summer, as the pair flies together to find suitable submerged plants where the female can deposit her eggs. They are completely harmless to humans and provide a great service by keeping local gnat and mosquito populations in check.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Boreal Bluet on camera requires a focus on 'perch points' rather than open air. These damselflies have favorite stalks of grass or reeds where they return repeatedly to rest. Position your camera about 1 to 2 feet away from emergent vegetation at the edge of a pond. Using a macro lens or a camera with a short minimum focus distance is essential to capture the intricate black 'mushroom' patterns on their blue abdomens.

Lighting is your best friend when filming these metallic-colored insects. Aim for a 45-degree angle relative to the sun to highlight the translucency of their wings and the vibrancy of their blue bodies. If your camera has a high-speed video mode (60fps or higher), use it; while their flight looks slow to us, their wingbeats are incredibly fast and look stunning in slow motion.

To attract them to a specific spot for your camera, ensure there is a clear, sun-drenched 'landing pad'—a flat leaf or a sturdy vertical reed—near the water's edge. Avoid using artificial baits, as damselflies are visual hunters and respond only to the movement of live prey or the presence of a suitable habitat. Early afternoon on a windless day is the peak window for the best footage, as they will be most active and less likely to be tossed around by breezes.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Boreal Bluet.

Northern Bluet

Almost identical, but the Northern Bluet has slightly different black markings on the second abdominal segment and prefers slightly warmer habitats.

Familiar Bluet

The Familiar Bluet has much more blue on its abdomen, specifically segments 4 and 5 are almost entirely blue.

Tule Bluet

Found in similar habitats but has larger black markings on the sides of the thorax and different abdominal patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boreal Bluets are most active during the sunniest and warmest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the air temperature is high enough for them to maintain the energy needed for flight.

The best way to attract them is by installing a small garden pond with plenty of native emergent plants like sedges, rushes, or lilies. They need these plants for perching and for laying their eggs.

As adults, they eat a variety of small flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and small flies. As aquatic nymphs, they are fierce predators of mosquito larvae and other tiny water-dwelling organisms.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban areas provided there is a permanent source of standing or slow-moving water nearby, such as a park lake or a well-maintained backyard pond.

They are very similar, but look at the second abdominal segment of the male. The Boreal Bluet has a mushroom-shaped black spot, whereas the Northern Bluet typically has a more rounded or bell-shaped spot. A close-up photo is usually required to tell them apart!

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