Very large blue damsels - Enallagma

Moved

… john and jane balaban, 1 December, 2007 - 9:19pm

Tough!

There are six candidates in Biggs' Dragonflies of California and Common Dragonflies of the Southwest, which notes "Sometimes it is necessary to have a Bluet in hand and examine its terminal appendages using a hand lens to make a final identification." Detailed line illustrations are provided to help in this endeavor.

My best guess is that you have a Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile), based primarily on the heavy blue markings and overall appearance. Habitat is given as "still waters with fields" in case that rings a bell.

… Ron Hemberger, 26 October, 2007 - 1:15pm

I'm not familiar with Familiar Bluet

These were seen around a small shallow, pool in a creek. There were so many present that I thought I would get a better picture the next day, however the days get shorter and shorter, and I could not get there while the sunlight was still hitting the water. When the sun is gone so are they. Have you heard of damselflies hooking together, 3, 4, 5 at a time? It doesn't seem right, does it?

… HandsOff, 27 October, 2007 - 3:05am

I'm unfamiliar, too.

However, I have seen photos of damselorgies as you described. Closest thing I've witnessed in the wild are common green darners trying to disconnect each other for personal gain. Also, dragonflies will actually scoop out the previously deposited sperm to eliminate their rival's survival.

… Ron Hemberger, 27 October, 2007 - 7:09pm

You go first is not always being polite!

I thought I would mention another observation but its hard to put into words. When some damselflies contort themselves they look something like bent wire, with just a hint of actual joints. These where just the opposite. Very distinct angles throughout their bend, more like if you had a stick and broke it partially in several places.

… HandsOff, 27 October, 2007 - 7:57pm