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Common Green Darner

Common Green Darner

Anax junius

A species of Emperors, Also known as Darning needle, Green darner dragonfly

The common Green Darner (Anax junius) is a large dragonfly that gets its name from its long abdomen, which resembles a darning needle. The females are polymorphic, meaning there are two types of females. Most females are green all over, but some have brown on the end of their abdomen with a gray tint on the sides.

General Info About Common Green Darner
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Attributes of Common Green Darner
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Common Green Darner is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Common Green Darner typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Common Green Darner
It is one of the most common and abundant species in North America and is also distributed south of Panama. It also occurs in the Caribbean, Tahiti and Asia, from Japan to mainland China.
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Distribution Area of Common Green Darner
United States
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Appearance of Common Green Darner
The common Green Darner is one of the largest extant dragonflies; males grow to 8 cm in length with a wingspan up to 8 cm.
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How to Identify Common Green Darner?

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Life Cycle of Common Green Darner
Egg Embryonic development occurs within the egg capsule. The eggs are usually laid in or near water. At this stage, the common Green Darner is immobile and undergoing cellular differentiation and growth in preparation for the naiad stage.
Naiad Upon hatching, the naiad resides in an aquatic environment. It resembles a miniature adult without wings. The naiad of common Green Darner is predatory, consuming other small aquatic organisms. This stage involves multiple molts, during which the insect gradually increases in size.
Adult Emerging from the final molt, the adult common Green Darner’s development is distinguished by fully developed wings and a sexually mature body. The adult common Green Darner displays vibrant coloration, an elongated body, and is highly mobile. It focuses on mating, feeding, and in females, ovipositing eggs in water.
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Adult Size of Common Green Darner
7 - 8 cm
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Predators of Common Green Darner Larvae
Frogs, toads, water beetles, fish, birds
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Scientific Classification of Common Green Darner
Class
Bugs
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Order
Odes
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Family
Darners
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Tips for Finding Common Green Darner
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Youth Habitat of Common Green Darner
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Common Green Darner
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Common Green Darner
People do not typically use 'trap food' to find common Green Darner, as they are predators and their hunting behavior is best observed in their natural habitat.
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Habitat Preferences of Common Green Darner Through Different Life Stages
The naiads of common Green Darner, known as naiads, inhabit freshwater bodies like ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, where they cling to submerged vegetation or debris. Searching for these aquatic naiads requires gently sifting through the vegetation or scooping the sediment of these water bodies. Adults are commonly seen in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and around lakes or ponds. To observe adult common Green Darner, one should visit open areas near water sources on sunny days, as they patrol for mates or prey, often perching on vegetation or the ground.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Common Green Darner
The best time to find adult common Green Darner is often during warmer months, especially near bodies of water in the late morning and early afternoon when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Common Green Darner
Warm, sunny days are typically the most suitable weather conditions to find common Green Darner, as they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
Are Common Green Darner harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Common Green Darner
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Mosquitoes, Flies, Moths
Common Green Darner is a spectacular hunter both in its adult and naiad stages, primarily preying to feed itself. As naiads in water, they ambush various aquatic invertebrates. Adults possess excellent flight abilities, capturing prey such as mosquitoes mid-air. Their hunting maintains ecosystem balance and provides natural pest control.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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