Blue Dasher dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis) are one of the most common and widespread dragonfly species in my area. You can get so used to their presence that you stop paying attention to them, which I think is a mistake, for in doing so you will miss their amazing beauty. The colors and patterns of this little dragonfly are stunning.
Here are a couple of shots of Blue Dashers that I captured this past weekend at Jackson Miles Abbot Wetland Refuge. This early in the season, when the dragonflies are newly emerged, the colors seem really saturated and fresh—later in the season the colors tend to become duller and more faded. I was shooting at the edge of a small pond and the water in the background turned into a neutral gray that gives the images an artistic feel, almost like they were shot in a studio environment. The uncluttered background helps to draw your attention to the dragonflies themselves and especially to those wonderful two-toned eyes. (The male’s eyes will eventually turn into a more uniform turquoise blue shade.)
In case you are curious, the Blue Dasher in the first shot looks to be a female and the one in the second image appears to be an immature male.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Benjamin likes the second Blue Dasher : “He is so blue and just a little yellow and has big pink eyes!” He is trying to decide if the blue dot is a nose or another eye on both dragonflies and decided it must be an eye. He also wants to tell you : “I really like the dry flower with the yellow dragonfly too!” Wonderful photos! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
Thanks again for so much feedback from Benjamin. I am thrilled that he went back to catch up on the postings he missed during the Memorial Day weekend. As for the blue dot, it’s part of the dragonfly’s face. If you look carefully you can see a red curved area that is part of the second eye. Dragonfly eyes are huge and their sight is amazing. I will be sure to post a frontal dragonfly shot soon that highlights the eyes.
Very nice photos, Mike.
Wow!