Hetaerina americana (American Rubyspot Damselfly)
Credit: Greg Grether
about the species
The American rubyspot damselfly (Hetaerina americana) occurs throughout the U.S. and as far south as Nicaragua. This species is broadly found in lotic habitats - streams and rivers of all sizes, but not ponds or lakes. Adult males, with their conspicuous red wing spots, compete for mating territories in areas with submerged vegetation and flowing water, where females come to lay eggs and larvae develop. Dispersal occurs along water courses, and population persistence requires flowing water year-round.
why species was selected
Hetaerina americana occurs in nearly every ecoregion in California, but it is one of the Odonata species that has declined the most over the past 100 years. Data on this species genomic diversity will help us identify threatened species with similar habitat requirements and dispersal characteristics.
