CLOSED: ID for What Type of Dragonfly-Damselfly

eirlys1 Bronson, FL(Zone 9a) Apr 25, 2009

Was unable to identify looking on web. . .

Anyone know what the specific name of this pretty dragonfly or damselfly is?

Eirlys
Chiefland, Florida

Post #6460873

Quote

holeth Corpus Christi, TX(Zone 9a) Apr 25, 2009

In PA-Dutch slang, we'd call that dragonfly a blue darner, because it's as big as a "darning needle" for mending socks. I'm sure there a several dragonfly species that meet that description.

In reality, the blue-eyed darner is variable and can "lose its spots" (Black markings can be very bold or very faint), but the Blue Dasher might be a better match. Both live in your area. Blue-eyed darners live all over North America. I'm not sure if we have blue dashers in PA, which may be why the locals don't have a slang for them.

Here are some photo sites:

pretty scientific, showing the blue dasher (Note the characteristic resting posture. Does it ever do that?) and the blue-eyed darner. http://www.kimandmikeontheroad.com/dragonfly_photos_1.htm

preservation motivated: http://www.macro-photo.org/species-checklist-arthropods-insects-birds-avians/dragonflies-odonata-macro-photo-images-gallery.htm

an artist showing his collection: http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/dragonflies

This message was edited Apr 25, 2009 10:14 AM

This message was edited Apr 25, 2009 10:15 AM