Species Argia fumipennis - Variable Dancer

Formerly called Violet Dancer.

One of 30 Nearctic species in the genus.

29-35 mm.

United States, and just edging into Canada. Missing from the northwest quarter of the United States.

Well-vegetated ponds and streams.

Spring and summer.

Tiny flying insects.

As the name suggests, this is a variable species. The variation has led to the describing of three subspecies. The Violet Dancer (A. f. violacea) to the north has clear wings, the Smoky-winged Dancer (A. f. fumipennis) of the southeast has brownish wings, and the Black Dancer (A. f. atra) of Florida has entirely black wings.