Blue Dasher
Pachydiplax longipennis
This dragonfly image was captured by Allan Ostling at Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona, USA. June 2015. This is a male.
Libellulidae -- Skimmer Dragonfly Family
Long before Mustang cars were painted this color, Blue Dasher Dragonflies were speeding after rivals, females and lunch. This species is found across much of North America. The nymphs are important aquatic predators in ponds and marshes. Females lack the blue coloration and instead sport yellow stripes on the abdomen.