Blue dasher
Species of dragonfly / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is an insect of the skimmer family. It is the only species in the genus Pachydiplax. It is very common and widely distributed through North America and into the Bahamas.[2]
Blue dasher | |
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Male with raised abdomen that may be a threat display or a response to heat (the obelisk posture) | |
Female | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Odonata |
Infraorder: | Anisoptera |
Family: | Libellulidae |
Genus: | Pachydiplax Brauer, 1868 |
Species: | P. longipennis |
Binomial name | |
Pachydiplax longipennis (Burmeister, 1839) | |
Although the species name longipennis means "long wings", their wings are not substantially longer than those of related species. Females do, however, have a short abdomen that makes the wings appear longer in comparison.[2] The blue dasher grows up to 25–43 millimetres (0.98–1.69 in) long.
The males are easy to recognize with their vibrant blue color, yellow-striped thorax, and metallic green eyes. Females are somewhat less colorful than the male, an example of sexual dimorphism. While they have a matching yellow-striped thorax, their abdomen has a distinct brown and yellow striping that sets them apart from the male, along with contrasting red eyes. Both sexes develop a frosted color with age.[3]
Pachydiplax longipennis exhibits aggression while finding mates and foraging,[4][5] and they are not under any conservation threats.[6]
- Male on a lotus leaf
- Ovipositing Naperville USA