United States and Mexico
Very similar to Aztec Dancer. See that species for a detailed description.
Size: Total length: 30-34 mm; hindwing: 18-20 mm.
Similar Species: California Dancer(A. agrioides) and Aztec Dancer(A. nahuana) are very similar and pose a difficult field identification challenge. Marks to look for in differentiating these species require excellent photos or in-hand investigation.
The only known diagnostic difference is in the male genitalia: the gap between the lower appendages when viewed from above is less than (Aztec) or wider than (California) the width of individual appendages. Aztec also shows inward pointing lobe on these lower appendages when viewed from above which California lacks.
The easiest marks to see in the field are 1) the lateral pattern of S2 (stripe in CA, spots in Aztec, although this mark varies geographically and is subject to considerable variation); 2) overall coloration of males (possibly paler in Aztec); and 3) forewing veins coloration (possibly paler in Aztec).
Some recommended web resources that address this ID are:
AZ Dragonflies Aztec vs California Dancer
AZ Dragonflies Aztec vs California Dancer
Don Roberson Aztec Dancer Identification
Comments on view colloration in Aztec and California Dancer
See Aztec Dancer for other similar species.
Habitat: Small, shallow, clear-water streams with moderate currents, fully exposed to sunlight with beds of vegetation.
Distribution: California, extreme sw and se Oregon, s Nevada, w Arizona and Baja California Norte and Sur.
Source: Written by David Bell, based on Aztec Dancer account from Abbott, J.C. 2006-2010. OdonataCentral: An online resource for the distribution and identification of Odonata. Available at OdonataCentral.
