Tule Bluet
Enallagma carunculatum
The Tule Bluet is a dazzling splash of electric blue found dancing across North American wetlands. This resilient damselfly is a master of the reeds, uniquely adapted to thrive in even the saltiest desert marshes.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 27–37 mm (1.1–1.5 inches); Wingspan: approx 35–45 mm (1.4–1.8 inches)
Colors
Males are vibrant sky blue with black bands; females are polymorphic, appearing in either a blue or a duller tan/olive-green form.
Key Features
- Bright blue abdominal segments 8 and 9
- Abdominal segment 10 is entirely black
- Large, rounded blue spots behind the eyes
- Small tubercle or 'spur' on the male terminal appendages
When You’ll See Them
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Behavior
Tule Bluets are agile and delicate flyers, typically seen hovering just inches above the water's surface or perched on emergent vegetation. They are famous for their ability to thrive in alkaline or saline environments where other damselflies struggle, often congregating in large numbers around bulrushes (tules) and cattails. During the heat of the day, they use these plants as hunting platforms, darting out to snatch tiny midges and mosquitoes from the air.
Mating behavior is a highlight for observers; males are highly territorial over their small patch of reeds. After a complex aerial courtship, the pair forms a 'mating wheel.' Unlike many other damselflies, the female Tule Bluet often submerges her abdomen, and sometimes her entire body, underwater to deposit eggs into plant tissues while the male remains perched nearby to guard her from rivals.
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Camera Tips
To capture the Tule Bluet on camera, you must focus on their favorite perches. These damselflies are 'perch-hunters,' meaning they spend a significant amount of time sitting on vertical reed stems or flat leaves waiting for prey. Position your camera on a stake or tripod about 2-3 feet away from a cluster of bulrushes at the water's edge. Aim the lens at a 45-degree angle to the vegetation to maximize the depth of field, ensuring that if the damselfly lands slightly forward or backward, it remains in focus.
Lighting is the biggest challenge when filming these insects. Their bodies have a slight metallic sheen that can cause 'glare' in midday sun. Set your camera to face away from the sun to allow the light to illuminate the blue segments of the abdomen without creating harsh reflections. If your AI camera has a sensitivity setting, turn it to the highest level or use a 'small subject' mode; damselflies are light and may not trigger standard motion sensors designed for mammals. Using a time-lapse setting of one photo every 10-15 seconds during the peak hours of 11 AM to 2 PM is often more effective than relying on motion triggers.
For the most dramatic footage, look for the 'tandem' pairs. This happens most frequently in the early afternoon. If you can identify a patch of reeds where females are dipping their tails into the water (ovipositing), keep your camera fixed there. This behavior provides a stationary target for several minutes, allowing the camera to lock focus and capture the intricate details of their wings and the black markings on their thorax. Avoid using lures or baits, as damselflies are visual hunters and are only attracted to live, moving prey.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Tule Bluet.
Familiar Bluet
The Familiar Bluet has a blue 10th abdominal segment, whereas the Tule Bluet's 10th segment is entirely black.
Boreal Bluet
Boreal Bluets have mushroom-shaped black spots on the middle segments of the abdomen, while Tule Bluet spots are more ring-like.
Northern Bluet
Northern Bluets have larger blue 'eyespots' on the head and typically prefer cooler, spring-fed waters compared to the Tule's preference for marshes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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