Behold the humble Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis). So common, yet so uncommonly attractive in its own way.
13 JUN 2020 | Fairfax County, VA | Blue Dasher (female)
This individual is a female, as indicated by her terminal appendages. Initially I thought she might be another species of dragonfly, due to her somewhat atypical coloration.
13 JUN 2020 | Fairfax County, VA | Blue Dasher (female)
The Backstory
During a recent photowalk with Michael Powell at a location in Fairfax County, Virginia USA, we were men on a mission to find three rare to uncommon species of dragonflies: Arrowhead Spiketail (Cordulegaster obliqua); Gray Petaltail (Tachopteryx thoreyi); and Sable Clubtail (Stenogomphurus rogersi).
Albeit common, and not one of our target species, sometimes you need to stop and smell the Blue Dashers, figuratively speaking.
As for our list of target species, let’s just say two out of three ain’t bad.
Copyright © 2020 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Blue Dasher dragonfly, Family Libellulidae (Skimmers), female, Pachydiplax longipennis, terminal appendages
July 8, 2020 at 6:39 am |
Nice photo, Walter, and a good memory. I would like to complete our target set, but fear that it may be getting too late for it.
July 8, 2020 at 1:50 pm |
What a wonderful world it is when even the “humble” species possess such beauty.
Very nice photographs.
July 8, 2020 at 7:57 pm |
One of your comments inspired these photos, Wally. The Panasonic superzoom camera really shines when shooting larger subjects in bright light.
July 8, 2020 at 8:11 pm |
Stop! My Boss says she will hurt me if I even glance in the direction of camera supply catalog!