Where Do Blue Dashers Live?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Blue dasher naiads live in

the still waters of ponds, ditches, marshes, and occasionally, very slow-moving streams

, and because they can tolerate pretty low-oxygen/poor water quality, they are sometimes used as biological indicators. Mature naiads are well-camouflaged, (dorsal) hook free and relatively spine-less.

Do blue dashers migrate?

Blue dashers’ preferred habitat is the still water of lakes, ponds and sometimes bogs throughout much of the U.S. and just into Canada. They fly for most of the summer, and there is a

small, autumn migratory movement along the Atlantic coast

.

What does a blue dasher look like?

They have

bright blue abdomens with black tips

, yellow tiger-striped thoraces and bright, reflective blue or green eyes above their white faces. Females are not as brightly colored, with striped thoraces and brown and yellow-striped abdomens. Blue Dashers often have patches of amber color in their wings.

What do blue dashers eat?

Diet: Naiad- Naiads feed on a wide variety of

aquatic insects

, such as mosquito larvae, other aquatic fly larvae, mayfly larvae, and freshwater shrimp. They will also eat small fish and tadpoles.

Are blue dragonflies boys?


Juvenile males will show female coloration before they turn blue

. Females are paired with yellow stripes on the dorsal side of the first 8 abdominal segments. Females are also reported to turn blue, but at a slower rate then the males.

Is a blue dragonfly rare?

The blue dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a dragonfly of the skimmer family. It is the only species in the genus Pachydiplax. It is very common and widely distributed through North America and into the Bahamas.

What does it mean to see a blue dragonfly?

Blue Dragonfly Meaning

Blue symbolizes

loyalty

, as in a “true blue” friend. It also symbolizes trust, faith, and wisdom.

What is the rarest color of dragonfly?


Pink dragonflies

are rare – most dragonflies that are close to pink appear more red or reddish-brown in color. Out of the 400+ species found in the US, less than a dozen project a true pink color.

Are blue dragonflies good luck?

Dragonfly Superstitions

In some cultures,

dragonflies represent good luck or prosperity

. So make a wish when you see a dragonfly and it’ll come true. Fishermen used them as an indicator of good fishing grounds. Plenty of dragonflies meant there were plenty of fish around.

Do damselflies bite?

Damselflies are considered beneficial bugs because they eat other, more harmful, bugs. … They are also one of the most beautiful insects that ever roamed Earth, and they have always been completely harmless to humans.

They do not sting or bite

. Damselflies are related to Dragonflies.

Do dragonflies bite?

Do Dragonflies Bite or Sting? No, although

large dragonflies, if held in the hand, will sometimes try to bite they fail to break the skin

. They have a lot of “folk names” which imply that they do, such as “Horse-stinger”, but they don’t use their egg-laying tube (ovipositor) for stinging.

What is the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly?


Damselflies are smaller than dragonflies

, with bodies that typically range between 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches, while dragonfly bodies are typically longer than 2 inches, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. Dragonflies also have thicker, bulkier bodies, while damselfly bodies are thin like a twig.

How do you attract dragonflies?

  1. Focus on Water. You don’t need a large pond to attract dragonflies. …
  2. Add Water Plants. Dragonflies breed in water because their young, called nymphs, need hiding places. …
  3. Edge Your Pond with More Plants.

What is special about a dragonfly?

Dragonflies can hover in one place,

fly extremely fast, and even fly backwards

. They are some of the fastest flying insects in the world reaching speeds of over 30 miles per hour. Dragonflies come in a variety of colors including blue, green, yellow, and red. They are some of the most colorful insects on the planet.

How can you tell the gender of a dragonfly?

If you have a dragonfly in your net or your hand or a really good photo, look for a bump on the underside of the abdomen near its joint with the thorax. If there’s a bump there, it’s a male. If the underside of the dragonfly is smooth, it’s a

female

.

What Colour is a damselfly?

Male damselflies typically have iridescent wings and some type of

colorful blue, green, or purple body

, while the females usually have a golden brown color, even on their wings.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.