Argia vivida
(Vivid Dancer)

Description:
   Naiad-This is a small, but stocky naiad about � inch (17 mm) long. The coloration is mottled dark brown.
   Adult-This is a small damselfly 1 � to 1 � inches (29 to 35 mm) long. The males at first glance look like Bluets, but they are a vivid electric blue. The dark stripe on the upper thorax becomes a fine line about half the way down. The upper surface of the abdomen is predominately blue, except for segment seven, which is black with a blue spot. Females are tan, and are patterned very similarly to the males.

Range:
This species is found in eastern British Columbia and Alberta south to Texas, New Mexico, and Baja California. In Idaho, it is found throughout the state.

Habitat:
This damselfly is found at spring-fed streams, usually in arid or semi-arid areas.

Adult Flight Season:
April 15 to October 25

Diet:
   Naiad-Naiads eat a wide variety of aquatic insects, including mosquito larvae, mayfly larvae, and other aquatic fly larvae.
   Adult-Adults eat a wide variety of small soft-bodied flying insects, such as mosquitoes, mayflies, flies and small moths. They will also pick small insects such as aphids from plants.

Ecology:
This species is very closely associated with spring-fed streams, and generally remains close to where it emerged. It probably has the longest flight season of any dragonfly or damselfly in our area.

Reproduction:
The males set up territories at choice breeding sites. After males and females mate, the male remains attached to the female (called "in tandem") as she oviposits in vegetation at spring-fed streams.

Conservation:
Populations are widespread, abundant, and secure.

Status:	Unprotected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S?

References:
Corbet, P. S. 1999. Dragonflies: Behavior and Ecology of Odonata. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, USA, 829pp.

Logan, E. R. 1967. The Odonata of Idaho. Unpublished M. S. thesis. University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA, 105 pp.

Needham, J. G. and M. J. Westfall. 1955. Dragonflies of North America. University of California Press, Berkely, California, USA, 615 pp.

Paulson, D. R. 1999. Dragonflies of Washington. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington, USA, 32 pp.

Walker, E. M. and P. S. Corbet. 1975. The Odonata of Canada and Alaska, Vol. III. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 307 pp.