Sphagnum Sprite

(Nehalennia gracilis)

Sphagnum SpriteClick to enlarge

The Sphagnum Sprite is an uncommon damselfly in Wisconsin. This species is restricted to sphagnum bogs and fens. It has only been recorded in four counties, but this could be because of their small size, the difficulties involved in hiking around in its habitat, and because the Sedge Sprite may also be found in the same habitat. The photo of the male was taken in Oneida County. I thought I had been taking photos of the female, but it turns out that the female Spaghnum Sprite looks very similar to the male Sedge Sprite and when I looked at the photos I had taken, I realize that I had taken photos of male Sedge Sprites. On July 1, 2005 I found a male of this species on Comstock Bog in Marquette County, stuck in a linear-leaved sundew, but I was unable to see any more individuals of this species.