#variable dancer

Looks like the violet dancer damselfly is a subspecies of the variable dancer! I had a hard time finding photos of just the subspecies, so I'll do a poll on just the variable dancer, I hope that's alright :)

Smoky-winged Dancers (Argia fumipennis ssp. fumipennis), male (top) and female (bottom), taken September 5, 2024, in Georgia, US

Variable dancer damselfly, Argia fumipennis, Coenagrionidae

The variable dancer is found mostly in the eastern United States, but also through the center of the country and down into Mexico. A large range of coloration is seen in this species and its subspecies with females usually less colorful, but most notable is the male of the subspecies Argia fumipennis violacea (the violet dancer), which is purple with a blue abdominal tip.

[Image Description: Two pictures of a purple insect with a long thin body, very large eyes, and lace-like wings. The insect is sitting on something wooden. The first picture is a side-view of the insect. The second picture is taken at a three-quarters angle, to emphasize the insects eyes.]

I went to Acadia! It was an absolute delight of an adventure, except for the part where it turns out Acadian dragonflies are the least well-behaved dragonflies I’ve ever met. More on that later...

The *damselflies* on the other hand were quite responsive. This one in particular was more than happy to pose, so I could get some nice shots. Look at that purple! It’s most likely a subspecies of Variable Dancer (Argia fumipennis) called Violet Dancer. A perfect name!

Do check as full-size a version of this photo as you can, because *wow* is she a delight. I love looking at damselfly and dragonfly wings --they’re so delicate!

Smoky-winged Dancer (Argia fumipennis ssp. fumipennis), teneral female, taken May 6, 2025, in Georgia, US

Violet Dancer (Argia fumipennis violacea)

Violet Dancer (Argia fumipennis violacea), Male