Delaware names blue dasher as state dragonfly
Move over, ladybugs. Delaware now has a state dragonfly: the blue dasher.
The state Dragonfly Project, launched by Sen. Stephanie Hansen (D-Middletown) in March, asked students and teachers to learn about and vote for one of six dragonfly species: common green darner, dragonhunter, tiger spiketail, calico pennant, blue-faced meadow hawk and blue dasher.
They chose the blue dasher, Hansen announced May 12, one of the most widespread dragonflies in the country. Blue dashers are more tolerant of disturbed habitats and water pollution than other dragonflies, according to the project website, and can be found along the edge of most any body of water. They eat small flying insects, including mosquitoes.
Hansen will introduce legislation to make the blue dasher Delaware's official state dragonfly in the coming weeks.
Warding off West Nile: Worried about West Nile virus, other mosquito-borne illnesses? How to protect yourself
Tick bite prevention: Tick season is upon us. Here's what to look out for in Delaware and how to prevent bites
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: This species is Delaware's new state dragonfly
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