BLUE DASHER Pachydiplax longipennis

DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES OF WEST VIRGINIA SPECIES PAGE

Blue Dashers are often present at ponds in very large numbers, the males patrolling and clashing frequently with other males. Females are less conspicuous, but are often present in goodly numbers as well. Although not tiny, this species is smaller than the average for West Virginia dragonflies.

The mature male (shown above) has a powder blue body, with the rear of the abdomen all black. As the next photo below shows, there are black and green lines on the sides of the thorax, but these markings are often hidden by the Dasher's wings—wings that it typically holds in a swept forward position. Males often have some amber to brown coloration in the wings.

Females and immature males are mostly brown in color, with a double row of yellowish lines down the dorsal surface of the abdomen. There are also yellowish markings down each side of the abdomen as viewed in profile. Eyes of the females are green to brown, and as with the males, the face is white.

Blue Dashers are usually seen at ponds, sometimes in swamps, but seldom along rivers and streams. They are also found in meadows near ponds. They have a long flight season, and interestingly, Dashers are typical larger in the Springtime. By later in the Summer the newly emerging Dashers are smaller.

Two additional views of the mature male Blue Dasher, showing the markings on the side of the thorax, as well as the coloration of the face and eyes.

Two views showing the coloration of the female and immature male Blue Dasher. The individual above is "teeing up," a common pose for Blue Dashers.

This species is also included in the Odonate pages of the Insects of West Virginia site.