Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Pachydiplax longipennis
34.7651, -87.6986
Field Notes
Description:
This is a relatively small naiad with a length of 3/4 to 7/8 inch (18 to 21 mm). It is brownish above and bright green underneath. There is a single, rear-facing spine on each side of abdominal segments eight and nine, with those on segment nine being noticeably longer. There are no hooks on the back, as some naiads have.
Adult- This dragonfly is small to medium in size, with a length of 1 3/8 to 1 13/16 inches (35 to 45 mm), and has a fairly broad abdomen. Females and immature males are greenish on the face and thorax, with a brownish black abdomen marked along the top with two parallel lines of pale yellow to yellowish green dashes. Mature males are greenish on the face and thorax but the abdomen is pruinose blue. The wings are mostly clear but may be clouded with brownish yellow at the bases, especially on the hindwings.
Habitat:
This species is found from southern British Columbia east to Ontario, extending south through the U.S. from southern California east to Florida. It also occurs in the Bahamas. In Idaho, it can be found throughout the state at lower elevations, usually below 3000 feet (914 meters).
Habitat:
This dragonfly can be found near lakes, ponds and slow streams at low elevations.
Notes:
Blue dashers rarely sit in one spot for long. The males are constantly patrolling their territory, dashing out from their perch to challenge other dragonflies or large insects flying nearby, and looking for females with which to mate.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment