insect · GBIF taxon 1428054
Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax longipennisAlso known as Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Blue dashers are vibrant, highly active dragonflies commonly found darting over ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. Mature males display a striking chalky-blue abdomen contrasted by a metallic green thorax and brilliant green eyes, while females and juveniles exhibit a brown-and-yellow striped pattern. These agile aerial predators spend their days defending territories from low perches, frequently raising their abdomens in an obelisk posture to regulate body temperature on hot days.
DiurnalAerial PredatorWetland
- diet
- Carnivorous (flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths)
- family
- Libellulidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, water pollution, and pesticide runoff
- life Span
- Up to 1 year (mostly spent as aquatic nymphs, adults live several weeks)
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Approach slowly: Walk quietly toward their perching spots to avoid triggering their flight response.
- Watch for the obelisk posture: Observe them pointing their abdomens straight up to cool down on hot afternoons.
- Look at the eyes: Use binoculars to appreciate the brilliant, metallic green coloration of the male's eyes.