Argia fumipennis atra

Gloyd, 1968

Black Dancer

Argia fumipennis atra is a of commonly known as the Black Dancer. It belongs to the Coenagrionidae and is currently treated as a synonym of Argia fumipennis. The subspecies was described by Gloyd in 1968 and is found in North America and Middle America, with confirmed presence in Vermont, USA. As a member of the Argia, it shares the typical characteristics of dancer damselflies, which are known for their distinctive wing-flicking .

Black Dancer - Argia fumipennis atra, Highland Hammock State Park, Sebring, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Black Dancer - Argia fumipennis atra, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park, Lake Placid, Florida, December 5, 2019 (51329046491) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argia fumipennis atra: /ˈɑr.dʒi.ə ˌfju.mɪˈpɛn.ɪs ˈɑ.trə/

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Identification

Argia fumipennis atra can be distinguished from other Argia by its predominantly black coloration, which gives rise to its "Black Dancer." As a of A. fumipennis, it would differ from the nominate form in the extent and intensity of dark pigmentation. Identification to subspecies level requires examination of color pattern details, particularly the degree of pruinosity and the coloration of the thoracic stripes. Males of Argia species typically show more extensive pruinosity than females. The species can be separated from similar dancers by the combination of body coloration, wing venation, and appendage structure.

Images

Distribution

North America and Middle America. Confirmed present in Vermont, USA. The has been recorded in the United States with specific locality data from Vermont.

Similar Taxa

Argia fumipennis fumipennisThe nominate of A. fumipennis, which A. fumipennis atra was described from. Differences lie in the extent of dark coloration and pruinosity.
Argia moestaAnother black-colored dancer that could be confused with A. fumipennis atra, though A. moesta shows distinctive pruinosity patterns and is generally larger.
Other Argia speciesMany Argia share similar body plans and require careful examination of thoracic stripe patterns, appendage shape, and coloration for accurate identification.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

Argia fumipennis atra is currently listed as a synonym of Argia fumipennis in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life. The was originally described by Gloyd in 1968 but has not been widely accepted as a distinct .

Data Availability

Information specific to Argia fumipennis atra is extremely limited. Most biological and ecological knowledge for this entity would be subsumed under the -level account for Argia fumipennis. The has 364 observations recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is occasionally encountered and documented by citizen scientists.