The Blue-ringed Dancer

Blue-ringed Dancer (male) at the Gilbert Water Ranch

One of the most photogenic damselflies is the Blue-ringed Dancer.  This male is perched on a rock in a swiftly flowing stream, the Blue-ringed preferred habitat.  I love the intense colors, especially in the head and thorax.

Notice how the wings are held completely above the abdomen; this is characteristic of dancers as a group.  In contrast, bluets tend to hold their wings folded along their abdomen.