Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Suborder Zygoptera Scientific name Argia moesta | Phylum Arthropoda Order Odonata Family Coenagrionidae Rank Species | |
Similar Argia, Stream bluet, Blue‑fronted dancer, Variable dancer, Orange bluet | ||
The powdered dancer (Argia moesta) is a damselfly of the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to North America. It may be seen year-round in at least some of its range.
Contents
Argia moesta powdered dancer damselfly feeding
Etymology
The common name refers directly to the male's pruinosity, appearing to be covered with a powdery blue or grayish substance. Older males are more pruinose, and may even be more ash white than blue. The scientific name moesta, means sorrowful, and may refer to customs (such as those on Ash Wednesday) of dusting oneself with ashes to express sorrow or mourning.
References
Powdered dancer Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA