Nevada State Insect
Vivid Dancer Damselfly (common name) Argia vivida (scientific name) Overview The vivid dancer is a small dragonfly-like insect named for the vivid blue color of the male and its unique dance-like flying pattern. The adult male is rich blue with transparent wings that appear silver when beating in the sunlight. Most females are tan or tan and gray, with some colored a silver-gray. Nevada's fourth graders nominated the damselfly, and it won its status as the official state insect in 2009. It is widely spread throughout Nevada, and its silver and blue colors match those of the state flag. Because it preys upon mosquitoes and other pests it is also believed to contribute to the economy and quality of life of Nevadans. Close-up STATUS Official PHYSICAL DETAILS Wingspan: 0.74–0.98 in (19–25 mm) Length: 1.1–1.5 in (30–40 mm) Larvae: Called a "nymph" or "naiad" in this stage, it is an aquatic, wingless creature 0.66 in (17 mm) in length and a mottled dark brown in color. It often looks milky white upon emerging, and gains its adult colors a short while later. LIFESPAN The adult lives only a few days or weeks, whereas the larvae survive the winter in the muck at the bottom of a stream or pond. HABITAT Near spring-fed streams, usually in arid or semi-arid areas. Range: From eastern British Columbia and Alberta south to Texas, New Mexico, and Baja California. Flight period: Mid-March to late-October Conservation status: Threatened status in British Columbia BEHAVIOR Adults frequently perch on stones, branches, or on the ground. The butterfly folds its wings up over the body when it is not flying. The male protects its mate from the attention of other males by flying in tandem with it until finding a spot to lay its eggs. The female submerges under the water for long periods when it lays eggs. DIET Adults: A variety of small, soft-bodied flying insects like mosquitoes, mayflies, flies, and small moths. Larva: Small aquatic insects TRIVIA The scientific name Argia means "shining" in Greek. The vivid dancer damselfly is almost transparent as it emerges from the nymph stage, when it is called a "tenerals." The body color darkens and becomes more vivid as it grows older.
	Click to enlarge an image Vivid Dancer Damselfly CLASSIFICATION Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Odonata Suborder: Zygoptera Family: Coenagrionidae Genus: Argia Species: A. vivida
	Author: World Trade Press