Do you have a favorite damselfly? I have had the opportunity to photograph some pretty spectacular damselflies, but 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). In fact the 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.
Maybe I am a little weird for having a favorite damselfly. If that is what you think, perhaps you have forgotten what it is like to view the world as a child as I try to do. Years ago I remember reading a Reader’s Digest article that included the following Tweet, “I like having conversations with kids. Grown-ups never ask me what my third favorite reptile is.” That Tweet (or whatever they are called now) captured my feelings really well
I spotted this colorful little damselfly last Friday (26 September) as I was exploring a small pond at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. I was a little surprised, but very much delighted to see the Violet Dancer so late in the season.
I did not dare lean over the edge of the pond for fear of falling in, but I really like the long distance shot that I was able to capture. The simple lines of the vegetation and the dark pond waters help to draw the viewer’s eyes to the Violet Dancer, even though it occupies only a small portion of the frame.
As I get older I find that I care less and less about what others think about me. Dare to be weird today!
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wonderful lines in this photo, Mike. The damselfly almost looks like a vibrant extension of the grass piece. the photo is really spectacular in the zoom version with the cobweb.
Love the image and your closing perspective/attitude!
Jazz
My favorite damselfly? I don’t see that many, but the one I truly love seeing is the ebony jewel wing. Sometimes they can number in the hundreds along shady streams. They do look like flying jewels.
Nice image & damselfly! Have you tried to identify the other creature in your photo? On the right side below the damselfly. Google Lens says it is a “twig-like common-footed spider, likely belonging to the genus Ariamnes.” Interesting! 🙂
I think it might be a long-jawed orb weaver spider, but I am not completely certain.
Beauitiful damselfly, and cool additional critter!
I’m thinking that the “additional critter” may be a long-jawed orb weaver spider, but am not 100% certain about that identification.
Terrific capture, Mike!
Thanks, Mitzy. I don’t see that shade of purple very often in wildlife, so I am thrilled whenever I find it.
I can see why, Mike!