Insect · GBIF taxon 5051784
Pinao
Anax strenuusAlso known as Giant Hawaiian Dragonfly, Giant Hawaiian Darner
Giant Hawaiian darners are the largest dragonflies in Hawaii, sporting impressive wingspans of up to 15 centimeters as they command mountain streams and high-elevation bogs. Adults patrol aquatic corridors at high speeds to hunt flying insects in mid-air, while their aquatic nymphs spend several years in clear headwater streams ambushing underwater prey. Females deposit eggs directly into damp moss and aquatic vegetation along secluded stream margins.
EndemicAerial PredatorLarge
Licensed reference(c) Forest Starr and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquitoes
- Midges
- Moths
Predators
- Invasive stream fish
- Insectivorous birds
- Spiders
ThreatsInvasive stream fish, habitat degradation, stream diversion
HabitatsMountain streams, high-elevation bogs, clear wetlands
Life span1–3 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAeshnidae
- SpeciesAnax strenuus
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.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its massive size, bright green thorax, and blue-and-brown patterned abdomen soaring along mountain streams.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from stream banks without disturbing mossy banks or wading through sensitive aquatic nymph habitat.
Responsible observation
- Spotting adults: Look along clear mountain streams and high-elevation bogs on sunny afternoons when adults actively patrol.
- Photography: Position yourself near stream-side vegetation where adults occasionally pause to rest.
- Habitat care: Avoid trampling wet stream margins and mossy banks where eggs and nymphs develop.
Co-occurring Native Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Endemic Neighbor David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Eugene Zelenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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