Blue Dasher Dragonfly

Description:

The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a dragonfly of the skimmer family. It is common and widely distributed in the United States. Mature males develop a bluish-white pruinescence on the back of the abdomen and, in western individuals, on the thorax. They display this pruinescence to other males as a threat while defending territories at the edge of the water. Mature male with blue-white abdomen and thorax Although the species name longipennis means "long wings", the wings are not particularly long. Females do, however, have a short abdomen that makes the wings look longer in comparison.

Notes:

Photographed at the beach on a balcony. These dragonflies were everywhere! You could even see them flying over the gulf water.