Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)
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The blue dasher is a frequently encountered dragonfly in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden. It is one of the first species to appear once the weather warms and can be seen all summer long. Individuals vary considerably in size, from rather small to almost as big as skimmers (1 inch to 1.7 inches). The males have a light blue abdomen and striped thorax. Before the adults mature, their eyes are mostly brown, with a blue tinge in the lower part. The insect above is an immature male and shows this. In adults, the eyes take on a bright turquoise or greenish hue, which can appear gem-like when the sun hits it just so. The photo below shows a mature male, which also tends to have more blue on the thorax than immature insects.
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The female blue dasher, shown below, has a black and tan pattern on its abdomen, but the eyes still acquire a lovely turquoise color.
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class: Insecta / order: Odonata / family: Libellulidae / genus: Pachydiplax / species: longipennis
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