Violet Dancer damselflies (mating pairs, in tandem)

Argia fumipennis violacea

Description:

Four mating pairs of Violet Dancer damselflies spotted at Paul Spring Park. Odonata, an order of insects including dragonflies and damselflies, reproduce in three stages: in tandem; in wheel (sometimes called "in heart" for damselflies); and oviposition. The damselflies shown in the preceding photo gallery are "in tandem," in which the male uses claspers at the end of its abdomen to hold the female by its thorax. Violet Dancer damselflies are very abundant at this location.

Habitat:

"Paul Spring Park," one of seven small parks owned and maintained by the Community Association of Hollin Hills, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Paul Spring is a small year-round stream that flows through Paul Spring Park. Related Resource: http://waltersanford.blogspot.com/2010/1...