Leonora's Dancer
Argia leonorae
This record describes Argia leonorae (species). Recorded family: Coenagrionidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
uncommon but widely distributed species in south-central and western Texas
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
Habitat
Small streams and seepages.
Geographic Range
Texas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Little is known about its biology
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Argia leonorae Garrison, 1994
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Argia leonorae. 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 Leonora's Dancer (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Leonora's Dancer
What is Leonora's Dancer?
Leonora's Dancer (Argia leonorae) is a species in the family Coenagrionidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Leonora's Dancer?
Total length: 28-32 mm
Where is Leonora's Dancer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small streams and seepages. |
| Range | Texas and Nuevo Leon, Mexico - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Leonora's Dancer?
Little is known about its biology