Green Darner Dragonfly

Order: Odonata

Family: Aeshnidae

Genus: Anax

Species: A. junius

Identifying Characteristics:

-The Green Darner is one of the largest dragonflies existent: males grow to 76 mm (3.0 in) in length with a wingspan of up to 80 mm (3.1 in)

- They have a green head and thorax. The abdomen is yellow and brown on females; long, slender and bluish on males. They have large compound eyes, strong jaws, and spiny legs. Their wings are clear with a yellowish tint toward the tips and are strongly veined with net-like pattern.

Special Adaptations:

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

-Nymphs (naiads) 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 green darners prefer permanent and temporary ponds, lakes, bays, estuaries and slow-moving streams and riparian areas