Insect · GBIF taxon 5051741
Common Green Darner
Anax juniusAlso known as Green Darner, Darning Needle
Common Green Darners are among North America's largest dragonflies, easily recognized by their emerald green thorax and vibrant blue abdomens on mature males. Voracious aquatic nymphs hunt aquatic insects, tadpoles, and tiny fish before undergoing metamorphosis to take to the air. Annual multi-generational migrations carry massive swarms over thousands of miles each spring and autumn.
MigratingPredatoryWetland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Moths
Predators
- Birds
- Frogs
- Fish
ThreatsWetland destruction, pesticide runoff, and water pollution
HabitatsPonds, lakes, slow streams, marshes, and open fields
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAeshnidae
- SpeciesAnax junius
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Swarms: Look for large groups foraging over sunny meadows or lakeshores during late summer migration.
- Watching Oviposition: Observe females inserting eggs directly into submerged aquatic plants while attached to hovering males.
Related Darner (c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 116916927065934112165 · cc-by
Predator no rights reserved, uploaded by Glenn Berry · cc0
Predator (c) lwolfartist, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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