Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly (young adult male, turning blue)

Erythemis simplicicollis

Description:

An Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly spotted near the shore of Accotink Bay. 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...

Habitat:

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, a 1,200 acre preserve located at Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County, Virginia USA. Related Resources: Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accotink_Ba... http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/site.a...