Green Darner Dragonfly

Order: Odonata

Family: Aeshnidae

Genus: Anax

Species: A. junius

Identifying Characteristics:

- one of the largest dragonflies

- resembles a darning-needle

- grow 76 mm in length with a wingspan of up to 80 mm

- Green head and thorax

- the abdomen is yellow and brown

- large compound eyes, strong jaws, and spiny legs

- the wings are clear with a yellowish ting

Special Adaptations:

- Females ovipoist in aquatic vegetation, eggs laid beneath the water surface

- Nymphs are aquatic carnivores, feeding on insects, tadpoles, and small fish

- Adult darners catch insects on the wing, including ant royalty, moths, mosquitoes and flies

- common throughout North America

- Prefer permanent and temporary ponds, lakes, bays, estuaries, and slow-moving streams