Coenagrionidae, Pond Damsel Family
The dancers (Argia species) are sometimes similar in appearance to the bluets (Enallagma species) and may require in-hand examinations to separate them. Dancers can always be identified by the long setae on the front of their tibiae, which are twice as long as the intervening spaces. In all other pond damsels, these setae are only about as long as the intervening spaces. The females generally are duller than males and more difficult to identify. The "bouncy" flight of the dancers also distinguishes them from the bluets.
Status-Global/State:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The body length for both genders of the blue-tipped dancers varies from 1.2 to 1.5 inches. The male is dark with a violet face. The dorsal surface of the thorax is mostly black with violet stripes, creating a dark appearance. The sides of the thorax are pale. The abdomen is black with blue tip. The female is either pale tan or pale blue with markings, generally similar to the male.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Found in eastern United States, this species prefers rivers and streams with slow or fast-moving water. In Wisconsin, it is widely distributed throughout the southern half of the state.
Flight Season:
Throughout its range, the flight season is from late May to late August. In Wisconsin, the peak of the flight season is from early June to late July.
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