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3. Identity Help

As you will tell I'm an absolute beginner in learning about some of the insects founds on the waterway. I have some material coming to cross reference, but wanted to put these out there for any help and comments...

Its a purdy damselfly.

I know there are an amazing number of colors, etc...

I have some pictures taken from the same location at the same time with a varying array of these in terrific, but different colors.

Does anyone know if the colors indicate a different (family, for lack of a more educated term)?

There are some just amazing electric greens and varying colors.

Sometimes, the colors are different just between the males and females of the same species, especially with the showy damselflies.

This looks like one of the Broadwinged Damselflies known as Jewelwings, perhaps a female Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata).

Thanks for all the replies. I understand it takes time and research..

Do you have a link or other material you can recommend?

For damselflies/dragonflies, try this one:
http://www.odonatacentral.org/index.php/PageAction.get/name/HomePage

That's a female Calopteryx maculata for sure. I see them all the time here in southern Michigan, on just about every stream. The white spots on the wings are characteristic for the female of the species. The bright metallic green ones with smoky black wings that you are seeing are the males of this same species. Yep, they're downright gorgeous!

My entomology background includes a MS from Michigan State, 1991. Not that it helps me get much work, but it sure was interesting, and still is. I think of insects, not just aquatic ones, as little tiny friends and living jewels that seldom fail to delight me - unless, of course, they are trying to suck my blood...

Jonathon