June 11, 2025

I am known as a Blue Dasher dragonfly

My scientific name, "Pachydiplax longipennis" doesn't mean what you think

It translates to "Swift Long-winged skimmer"

Although my wings aren't particularly long or distinct.

Location: McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach

Sources: https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/blue-dasher-dragonflies-family-libellulidae/

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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October 28, 2022

I am known as a Blue Dasher dragonfly

My face is white like a Roman toga

When I mate, we do it wheel style

I'm thinking of taking up yoga...

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/598

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 14, 2022

We are Blue Dasher dragonflies

(At the top) I'm an adult male

You can tell because of my big green eyes

Red eyes eyes mean I'm young or female.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/59774-Pachydiplax-longipennis

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 19, 2021

I am known as a Blue Dasher

I think because I dash all over the place

But I'd rather believe it's cause I'm dashing

Just look at my crazy-handsome face!

Location: WW Ranch Road, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Sebastian 

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/598

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 9, 2020

I am known as a Blue Dasher,
Pachydiplax longipennis is my scientific name
That doesn't mean what you think it does -
"longipennis" means long-winged - for shame!

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://uwm.edu/field-station/blue-dasher-dragonflies-family-libellulidae/

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 20, 2020

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I'm known as a Blue Dasher
I'm a carnivore and eat lots of bugs
I'll defend my feeding territory
With aggressive displays and fisticuffs!

Sources: Fights at the Dinner Table: Agonistic Behavior in Pachydiplax longipennis (Odonata:
Libellulidae) at Feeding Sites 

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson