Violet Dancer damselfly

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Violet Dancer damselfly

July 29, 2021 by Mike Powell

Do you have a favorite damselfly? I have photographed some pretty spectacular damselflies, but I have to admit that I am irresistibly attracted to the unique coloration of the Violet Dancer damselfly (Argia fumipennis violacea), a subspecies of the Variable Dancer damselfly (Argia fumipennis). As some of you may know, the normal banner photo for my blog page includes a photo of a beautiful Violet Dancer, so my fondness for this species is not exactly a secret.

Some of you may be thinking that I am a little weird for having a favorite damselfly. If so, you may have forgotten what it is like to view the world as a child as I try to do. A recent edition of Reader’s Digest included the following Tweet that captured this feeling perfectly, “I like having conversations with kids. Grown-ups never ask me what my third favorite reptile is.”

I spotted this colorful little damselfly on Tuesday as I was exploring a small pond at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. After some recent rainstorms, the waters of the pond were quite muddy, which accounts for the unusual color of the background of the image. I though about cropping in a little closer on the damselfly, but I like the blurred vegetation on the right side of the image.

Posted in damselfly, Insects, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife | Tagged Argia fumipennis, Argia fumipennis violacea, Canon 50D, Fort Belvoir VA, Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, Tamron 180mm, Variable Dancer, Variable Dancer damselfly, Violet Dancer, Violet Dancer damselfly | 16 Comments

16 Responses

on July 29, 2021 at 8:41 am | Reply Suzette Benjamin

Outstanding photo!
Speaking of seeing the world through a child’s eyes, Oddly enough, I was thinking about the same topic just a day ago!! Very interesting. Therefore, I am in total agreement with your perspective. Cheers Mike.
- on July 29, 2021 at 8:57 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Suzette. There is something so wonderful about a child’s natural curiosity about the world. I am quite pleased to hear that you share that perspective, though quite honestly I am not surprised, given your writings and your previous comments. 🙂
  - on July 29, 2021 at 9:02 am Suzette Benjamin
    
    Thank you Mike. Well said,👍🙂
on July 29, 2021 at 10:22 am | Reply blhphotoblog

Excellent shot, certainly does not need any more cropping.
- on July 29, 2021 at 11:58 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Brian.
on July 29, 2021 at 1:26 pm | Reply Leah

Well, my favorite damselfly is the Ebony Jewelwing, mainly because it’s the one I see most often in the wild, not just in photos. The Violet Dancer would be a close contender. LOL as a “dedicated feline enthusiast” I’m probably viewed as more than a little weird anyway . . .
- on July 29, 2021 at 5:52 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Ebony Jewelwings are really cool–I love their dark wings and shiny bodies. As for being weird–I embrace it. 🙂
on July 29, 2021 at 2:57 pm | Reply Suzanne- Happily Decluttered

I love the color of that damselfly!
- on July 29, 2021 at 5:51 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Suzanne.
on July 29, 2021 at 3:27 pm | Reply Jet Eliot

Oh what a joy to see these damselflies, Mike, and your opening question brought a warm smile to my face. Your appreciation for the damselfly has widened my appreciation for the damselfly, and how wonderful is that!
- on July 29, 2021 at 5:55 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Jet. Despite what it seems, I do not work for a lobbying or marketing firm promoting the virtues of dragonflies and damselflies. I am happy, of course, that my enthusiastic efforts to showcase the beauty and diversity of these amazing little creatures is paying dividends. 🙂
on July 29, 2021 at 4:20 pm | Reply Reed Andariese

Very nice Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!
- on July 29, 2021 at 7:51 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Reed.
on July 29, 2021 at 10:40 pm | Reply Ms. Liz

So delicate! and bristly legs, so like a hairy fairy 😀
~amazing how even the legs look colourful!
- on July 30, 2021 at 6:32 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Liz. It is amazing how many little spines and hairs you find on the bodies of dragonflies and damselflies when you look closely. I love your delightful word combination “hairy fairy” and might have to use it in a future post. 🙂
  - on July 30, 2021 at 6:35 am Ms. Liz
    
    Cool .. please do! 😀