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Erythemis simplicicollis
This individual is a young male turning blue, as indicated by its blue and green coloration and the terminal appendages at the end of its abdomen. Blue pruinescence will cover the dragonfly's body completely when it is mature. "Immature [male] colored as female, becomes pruinose first on abdomen and then thorax. Color change begins at about a week of age and takes about 2–3 weeks, fastest at higher temperatures." Source Credit: Paulson, Dennis (2011-12-19). Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East (Princeton Field Guides) (Kindle Locations 10207-10208). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition. Related Resources: 1) The BugGuide "Info" page for Eastern Pondhawk (see "Reference," right sidebar) features excellent photos showing males in transition from immature- to mature adults, as well as good close-up photos contrasting male and female terminal appendages. 2) Pruinescence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruinescenc...
Huntley Meadows Park, a 1,425 acre wetland area in Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Related Resource: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntl...
Copyright © 2012 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved. www.wsanford.com
Spotted on Aug 21, 2012
Submitted on Aug 22, 2012
2 Comments
Love the metallic blue and green.
I'm so glad we spotted this male in his changing color. I know you've been searching for the males for months:) They just don't seem very common at Huntley Meadows Park.