ExploreInsects

Blue-tipped Dancer

Argia tibialis

The Blue-tipped Dancer is a beautiful dragonfly with bright blue tips on its wings. It flits around ponds and streams, dancing in the air as it hunts for tiny insects to eat.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Blue-tipped Dancer has a slender, dark body, often appearing black or dark brown. Males are distinct with a bright sky-blue tip on their abdomen, while females are duller. Its four clear, delicate wings are held together above its back when at rest.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyCoenagrionidaeGenusArgia
Blue-tipped Dancer
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Blue-tipped Dancer

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

16

Interesting facts

Before they fly, Blue-tipped Dancers live underwater as nymphs for months or even years!

If a predator tries to grab them, they might shed a leg to escape, which is pretty wild!

Male Blue-tipped Dancers flash their bright blue tails to attract mates, like a tiny signal light!

They can perch very still, but are always ready to zoom after a tasty mosquito!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Sight

Blue-tipped Dancer has huge compound eyes that help them see almost all around, spotting tiny flying snacks or sneaky predators.

Ability

Acrobatic Flight

Blue-tipped Dancer can dart, hover, and even fly backwards using its strong wings, helping them catch food and escape danger.

Ability

Sticky Legs

Blue-tipped Dancer has tiny spines on its legs that help them create a 'basket' to scoop up small insects mid-air, making hunting super effective.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-40 mm
Size
25-35 mm
Lifespan
365-730 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These tiny hunters eat small flying insects, keeping pesky bugs away from watery places.

Age differences: Nymphs eat aquatic invertebrates; adults eat flying insects.

Primary Foods

  • mosquitoes
  • gnats
  • midges
  • small flies

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's safe to watch dragonflies, but don't try to catch them. They are delicate creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Blue-tipped Dancer?

The easiest way to identify Blue-tipped Dancer is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Blue-tipped Dancer's wingspan?

30-40 mm

How big is Blue-tipped Dancer?

25-35 mm

How long does Blue-tipped Dancer live?

365-730 days

How fast can Blue-tipped Dancer fly?

15 km/h

What does Blue-tipped Dancer eat?

These tiny hunters eat small flying insects, keeping pesky bugs away from watery places.

Where is Blue-tipped Dancer usually found?

Wetlands

How does Blue-tipped Dancer hunt?

Pursuit

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