Desert Shadowdamsel
Palaemnema domina
This record describes Palaemnema domina (species). Recorded family: Platystictidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
A slender damselfly with a long abdomen; eyes brown above, yellowish below; prothorax blue; abdomen with pale blue basal rings on S3-7; S8-9 blue, S10 black. Females only have S9 blue, with the abdomen tip enlarged Odonata Central records Likes shaded areas.
Wikipedia reference for Palaemnema domina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaemnema_domina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
- Suborder
- Zygoptera
- Family
- Platystictidae (Shadowdamsels)
- Genus
- Palaemnema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Small streams bordered by dense riparian vegetation.
Geographic Range
Southeastern Arizona, south to Nicaragua Odonata Central map
Seasonal Activity
July through September
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Palaemnema domina. 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 Desert Shadowdamsel (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ben Coulter; Additional contributions by Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Shadowdamsel
What is Desert Shadowdamsel?
Desert Shadowdamsel (Palaemnema domina) is a species in the family Platystictidae, within the order Odonata.
How do you identify Desert Shadowdamsel?
A slender damselfly with a long abdomen; eyes brown above, yellowish below; prothorax blue; abdomen with pale blue basal rings on S3-7; S8-9 blue, S10 black. Females only have S9 blue, with the abdomen tip enlarged Odonata Central records
Where is Desert Shadowdamsel found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Small streams bordered by dense riparian vegetation. |
| Range | Southeastern Arizona, south to Nicaragua Odonata Central map |
When is Desert Shadowdamsel active?
Desert Shadowdamsel: seasonal activity - July through September.