RANDOM PHOTO AND AN OLD FAVORITE

I took this photo ages ago and came across it recently. It is one I saw sitting on the stem of a dried-up lotus pod.

It shows a male Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis). It is easily recognized by its powdery blue abdomen, striped thorax and striking green-blue eyes. A pale face, banded markings on the thorax and clear wings with dark veins. Frequently found near ponds, marshes and slow-moving waters across North America, so I read.

Here are other interesting facts that I found on Google.

The only "Dasher": it is a monotypic species, meaning it is the sole member of its entire genus (Pachydiplax).

The "Obelisk" Handstand: to avoid overheating on hot days, it raises its abdomen straight up towards the sun. This obelisk posture minimizes the surface area exposed to solar radiation.

Illusory "Long Wings": its species name "longipennis" translates to "long wings". However, its wings are quite average; the name exists because females have an exceptionally short abdomen, making their wings look much longer by comparison.

Illusion of Blue: the powdery, chalky-blue color on the male's abdomen is not actually caused by blue pigment. Instead, it is an optical illusion created by a waxy coating called pruinescence, which scatters light.

Pollution Tolerant: unlike many delicate insects, the blue dasher is highly adaptable and thrives in polluted environments, storm drains and urban runoff parks that other species flee.

Fierce Mosquito Hunters: they are incredible assets for pest control. A single blue dasher can capture and eat hundreds of mosquitoes and gnats every day.

Rapid-Fire Egg Layer: when breeding, a female can dramatically lay between 300 and 700 eggs in a span of just 30 seconds by tapping her abdomen on the water's surface. This website here has photos that show the difference between a male and female and also has a lot more information.

Extreme Aerial Territory Battles: males are aggressively territorial. They guard their hunting perches by executing frantic, high-speed loops and vertical rocket chases against rival males.

Gender Color Shifting: juveniles and females primarily sport yellow and brown stripes. However, as females age, they can gradually turn a dusty blue, mimicking the males.

Aquatic Underworld Beginnings: before taking flight, they spend the vast majority of their lives (up to 11 months) underwater as aquatic nymphs, breathing through internal gills and aggressively hunting tadpoles and small fish.

If you are curious about these fascinating insects, there is a wealth of information out there online.

Thanks for looking and 

I hope your week is going great.