Spine-tipped Dancer
Argia extranea
This record describes Argia extranea (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Male has distinctive saddle-shaped black mark on side of abdominal segment 2.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Coenagrionidae (Narrow-winged Damselflies)
- Genus
- Argia (Dancers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern Arizona. (Also in Mexico and Central America.)
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Argia extranea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Spine-tipped Dancer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by June Tveekrem
Frequently Asked Questions About Spine-tipped Dancer
What is Spine-tipped Dancer?
Spine-tipped Dancer (Argia extranea) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Spine-tipped Dancer?
28-35 mm (front of head to tip of abdomen)
How do you identify Spine-tipped Dancer?
Male has distinctive saddle-shaped black mark on side of abdominal segment 2.
Where is Spine-tipped Dancer found?
Range: Southeastern Arizona. (Also in Mexico and Central America.)