Coenagrionidae, Pond Damsel Family
"Most Wanted" Species
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 length of the springwater dancer varies from 1.3 to 1.6 inches for both males and females. The male is very blue with black markings on the thorax and abdomen. The tip of the abdomen ends with bright blue. The legs are bluish. The female is similar to the male but with pale brownish coloration, occasionally blue coloration. The head and thoracic markings are similar to males, but there are more black abdominal markings.
Description of Habitat/Range:
Ranging from central to southwest United States, the springwater dancer is found at streams, especially near rocky riffles. Wisconsin is at the northeastern corner of the range of this species, and it has only been found here in a few southern counties.
Flight Season:
Not well documented In Wisconsin. In the northern part of its range, the flight season is from mid-June to late August.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
