Subject: Blue-Fronted Dancer Mating Wheel, Argia apicalis

Location: Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia

Stock Number: 05-31674

Comment: This species is most commonly found along large rivers; the pair above was photographed within yards of the banks of the Ohio. They are sometimes active near smaller streams, and on occasion are found near ponds and lakes as well.

Members of the Dancer genus are named for their bouncy flight. One unusual characteristic is their willingness to perch on or near the ground—most damselflies prefer higher perches.

Note: For a large number of photos of this and other damselfly species, see our Odonata of West Virginia website