General: Blue Dasher Dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis) are active daytime fliers. Males are recognized by the pale blue (pruinose) abdomen with a dark tip. The wings are unmarked except for the dark spot (stigma) near the wing tips. Eyes blue-green or blue; nose black; face white; wings often held downward. Female abdomen dark with tan rectangular spots.

Blue Dashers are easily confused with Western Pondhawks. Check the head carefully. In Blue Dashers, the eyes are light blue or blue-green, the "nose" is black, and the face is white. In contrast, Western Pondhawks have dark blue eyes, and the nose and face are green. There are some good places for Watching Dragonflies Around Las Vegas.

Taxonomy: Order Odonata, Suborder Anisoptera, Family Libellulidae (Skimmers)