Insect · GBIF taxon 5051741
Common Green Darner
Anax juniusAlso known as Green Darner, Darning Needle
Common green darners are powerful aerial predators that spend their days hawking for flying insects over open water and sunny meadows. They exhibit a complex dual life history, with resident populations overwintering as aquatic nymphs and migratory generations embarking on multi-generational journeys spanning thousands of kilometers. Recognizable by an emerald green thorax and target-like spot on the forehead, these large dragonflies can reach flight speeds of over thirty kilometers per hour while hunting.
MigratoryPredatoryAquatic Larva
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Moths
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Fish
ThreatsPesticide run-off, wetland loss, water pollution
HabitatsPonds, lakes, slow streams, marshes, and meadows
Life span1–2 years (mostly as an aquatic nymph)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOdonata
- FamilyAeshnidae
- GenusAnax
- SpeciesAnax junius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for adult darners patrolling pond margins on warm, sunny afternoons.
- Photography: Approach perched individuals slowly from below, as they startle at overhead movement.
- Migration watching: Look for migrating swarms along coastlines and lake shores in early autumn.
Competitor "July 2014 CPM Art Challenge Photo 'Blue Dasher' #1407" by COLORED PENCIL magazine is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 116916927065934112165 · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
Wetland Territory
Common Green Darner is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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