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Powdered dancer
Powdered Dancer Argia moesta 2009-05-25.jpg
Conservation status

Secure (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Genus:
Argia
Species:
A. moesta
Binomial name
Argia moesta
(Hagen, 1861) 
North America Range Argia moesta.svg
Range of A. moesta 

The powdered dancer (Argia moesta) is a damselfly of the family Coenagrionidae. It is native to North America. It may be seen year-round in at least some of its range.

Etymology

The common name refers directly to the male's pruinosity, appearing to be covered with a powdery blue or grayish substance. Older males are more pruinose, and may even be more ash white than blue. The scientific name moesta, means sorrowful, and may refer to customs (such as those on Ash Wednesday) of dusting oneself with ashes to express sorrow or mourning.

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