Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis)

Blue dashers are common North American dragonflies that frequent still bodies of water. Like other dragonfly species, they are associated with water for two reasons: because their favorite foods are also attracted to the water and because their young - called nymphs - actually live underwater. Regardless of the stage of their life, blue dashers are highly effective predators. The fully aquatic nymphs prey upon other nymphs of the same and other species, fish, and tadpoles. Once large enough, nymphs climb to the tops of plants to perform their final molts into an adult blue dasher. Adults are top predators of the insect world, eating hundreds of mosquitoes and flies every day. They are capable of catching their prey midair with first- class, aerial maneuverability.