I was happy to spot these handsome Powdered Dancer damselflies (Argia moesta) in mid-June as I was exploring a rocky stream in Prince William County. Most of time when I see a damselfly it is at a pond or marshy area, but this large, distinctive damselfly seems to prefer rivers and streams. Although I occasionally spot them perched in vegetation, as in the second photo, Powdered Dancers quite often perch on bare ground or on flat stones.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The sound of ‘powdered dancer’ — brought “Candle Dancer” to mind. Bertie Higgins is underrated, just like these little insects.
Thanks for sharing the link to that song. It’s a nice mellow song that I really enjoyed. As for me, “powdered dancer” brings to mind Tina Turner and her song Private Dancer. 🙂 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4QnalIHlVc)
Terrific photographs, Mike! I have only seen this species once in our area.
Thanks, Wally. There are only a couple of places where I have seen them. I am always shocked at how big they are, about an inch and a half in length, versus the Variable Dancers that I often see in the same locations that are only an inch or so in length.
So wonderful to see the powder dancer up close, the intricate details are marvelous, Mike. Those compound eyes are so huge for the size of the creature. And they do look like they’ve been dancing in powder, I love the name. It is cosmic to click on these photos and see them even closer.
Thanks, Jet. I love reading your comments that invariably bring a smile to my face. We both seem to love seeing cool creatures of various sorts and I am always happy to see you explore my photos so attentively, taking in all of the details of the subjects. I laughed out loud when I read of your “cosmic” clicks–somehow that word combination really tickled my fancy. 🙂
They look very dainty and try to their name – tipped in powder!