Argia
alberta
(Paiute Dancer)
Description:
Naiad-This
is a small, but robust naiad ¾ inch (20 to 21 mm) long. The coloration is light
brown with dark brown markings.
Adult-This
is a small damselfly 1 to 1 ¼ inches
(27 to 32 mm) long. The males are blue on the sides of the thorax and abdomen,
and mostly black above. The females are variable in color. They can be blue,
or olive, or tan in color, with much less black than the males.
Range:
This species is found from
southern Idaho east to South Dakota and south to Kansas, New Mexico, and California.
In Idaho it is found in the southern half of the state.
Habitat:
This damselfly is found
at streams, and in the northern part of its range at hot springs.
Adult Flight Season:
June 4 to July
5
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:
Very little is known
about the ecology of this species.
Reproduction:
The males patrol territories
at choice breeding locations along small streams. After males and females mate,
the male remains attached to the female as she oviposits.
Conservation:
Populations
are widespread, abundant, and secure.
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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 Unpublished M. S. thesis.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.