VARIABLE DANCER Argia fumipennis

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES OF WEST VIRGINIA SPECIES PAGE

As the common name says, this species is variable in appearance. So much so that scientists have described three subspecies based on differences in markings and in wing color. West Virginia is home to subspecies Argia fumipennis violacea, and it is this subspecies that is described and pictured here.

No other West Virginia damselfly has this purple coloration in the male. The male's abdominal tip (segments 9 and 10) are pale blue.

Both male and female have their dark shoulder stripe forked.

This beautiful damselfly is most often encountered from May to September in the Mountain State. Either ponds or streams form acceptable habitat for the Variable Dancer, but it prefers well-vegetated locations. When not actively seeking a mate these damselflies may also be found well away from the nearest body of water. It perches not only on plants but on rocks, logs, and the ground.

Two views of the male Variable Dancer. Note the forked black shoulder stripe. The legs are pale with dark markings.

Male: The face, eyes, and much of the dorsal surface of the thorax are purple.

The brown female looks similar to other Dancers, but note the forked black shoulder stripe. Legs with long bristles are typical of Dancers of both sexes.

View of the face and thorax of the female Variable Dancer.

All images on this page are © Stephen Cresswell.

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