docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

In this area of Pennsylvania another early flight season damselfly is the Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta). They can be seen even in my yard as early as May and into September. In southern climes they can be seen year round. They are a little larger than most damsels. The species 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.
Males have a blue tip (S9-10)at the end of the abdomen. Immature males are tan to dark brown, turning darker blue with age and becoming almost completely whitish (pruinose - covered in a gray waxy substance) at maturity.
Females come in blue and brown forms based on the color of the thorax.
First is an immature male Powdered Dancer.

Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) Imm. Male by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Next shot is a pruinose mature male.

Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Another mature male.

Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) M by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Again, females come in brown and blue forms.

Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) Imm. ♀ by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta) ♀ Blue form by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

While surveying a small river in rural Florida last year I came across this poor Powdered Dancer in the grips of an Okefenokee Fishing Spider (Dolomedes okefinokensis).

Okefenokee Fishing Spider (Dolomedes okefinokensis) with a Powdered Dancer by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

One last shot is a female Eastern Pondhawk completing the circle of life having a Powdered Dancer in her jaws.

Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) F and a Powdered Dancer by Tony Schoch, on Flickr

I hope you enjoyed this set. Dragonflies are emerging now. More Odonates to come!
>i< Doc

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Wonderful work, Doc! Thanks for sharing.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks for looking in.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

No Mike, thank you so much for taking the time to look in and commenting!
>i< Doc

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Beautiful set Doc. About how long are they, in inches please I never mastered metric

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks so much Jack. They are 1.46- to 1.65-inches other dancers are 1.2- to 1.5 inches. Now while that doesn't seem like a great difference (which it's not) when you see one they seem larger than most.
>i< Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Thanks for looking in Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed them.
>i< Doc

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Great set, Doc. That last one is really outstanding.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I appreciate the fine comment Ken. I guess she was too busy eating to notice me taking her portrait. You’ve had some terrible weather down in that area this spring. I hope you are alright.
>i< Doc

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

Beautiful shooting Doc!! I'm glad I had time to look through the gallery today!!
Rob

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

I really appreciate that Rob. They did turn out pretty good. I’m not really a photographer. I don’t do artsy. I shoot to get field markings for exact identification. Thanks for taking the time to look in and comment.
>i< Doc

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

I get that Tony and what I always like about your posts, is that they are scientifically sound/helpful but also usually follow the guidelines of good photography!
Rob

angler Loc: StHelens England

Great set Doc.