The Blue Dasher is one of the most common and recognizable dragonflies in North America, with males displaying a powder-blue abdomen, green eyes, and a yellow-and-brown-striped thorax. Its scientific name means 'long wings' but it is actually a compact, stocky flier. It is famous for the 'obelisk' posture — tilting its abdomen straight up toward the sun to reduce heat absorption on hot days.
Best time to see a Blue Dasher
The best time to see a Blue Dasher is May–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 142,278 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Blue Dasher? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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