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Blue Dasher
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Pachydiplax longipennis Blue Dasher
Order: Odonata, Suborder: Anisoptera, Family: Libellulidae
I found this male dragonfly in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Washington State. This is a low-level wetland habitat south of Moses Lake in the East of the state. I like the delicacy of the wings against the dry reed-bed background.
The image has been cropped, resized and sharpened for TN.
Description:
Naiad - 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.
Range:
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.
Adult Flight Season:
Late June to October
Diet:
Naiad- Naiads feed on a wide variety of aquatic insects, such as mosquito larvae, other aquatic fly larvae, mayfly larvae, and freshwater shrimp. They will also eat small fish and tadpoles.
Adult- The dragonfly will eat almost any soft-bodied flying insect including mosquitoes, flies, butterflies, moths, mayflies, and flying ants or termites.
Ecology:
The naiads live in submerged vegetation. They do not actively pursue prey but wait for it to pass by, a strategy which affords them protection from other predators. The naiads of this species can tolerate water with low oxygen content. This is used by biologists in Florida who interpret their presence as a possible indicator of low water quality. Naiads emerge as adults at night. Adults generally fly from late June to October. Hunting occurs from perches on twigs and rocks. This is the only member of this genus.
Reproduction:
After males and females mate, the female flies singly, without the male attached, to lay her eggs by dipping the tip of her abdomen in the water while hovering above its surface.
Conservation:
Populations are widespread, abundant, and secure. |
Silvio2006, tuslaw, anel has marked this note useful
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- nglen
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2908 W: 34 N: 8623]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(32138) - [2008-08-31 9:40]
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Hi Alan . Firstly thanks for the good notes on this Dragonfly. Which you have taken a good close up with fine detail and natural colours. with good use of the light on the wings. well done TFS.
Nick..
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- tuslaw
(4831)
- [2008-08-31 20:37]
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A real beauty Alan,
Very sharp and detailed with great colors. Love the composition and contrast to the BG. Well done!! Very informative notes!
Ron
Ciao Alan, great capture of wonderful dragonfly with splendid details and excellent sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio
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- lousat
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(19673) - [2008-09-01 4:14]
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Hi Alan,i like a lot this point of view to show the dragonflies,it's possible to see the best colors and the perfect details of eyes,very very perfect work,thanks a lot to show us this beauty,have a nice week,Luciano
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- anel
(15686)
- [2008-09-03 2:15]
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Hello Alan,
The green and blue colours of this Blue Dasher are really of great beauty. (I always loved the combination of these two colours). Excellent sharpness on the whole dragonfly and even the wings. Background a little be heavy, but you cannot change the location.
Thanks and best regards
Anne
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3277 W: 77 N: 6486]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(41320)