Aeshnidae

Definition

A family of large dragonflies (order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera), commonly called darners or hawkers, characterized by elongated abdomens, large compound eyes that meet broadly at the top of the head, and powerful direct flight. Members are cosmopolitan, predominantly associated with lentic and lotic freshwater habitats, and are aerial predators of other insects as adults, with aquatic nymphs that are similarly predatory. The family comprises more than 50 genera and over 450 species, including the widespread genera Aeshna and Anax.

Etymology

From Aeschna (type genus, from Greek aeschne, 'ugly' or 'dreadful') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The common green darner (Anax junius), a migratory member of Aeshnidae, travels thousands of kilometers between breeding and overwintering sites in North America.

Synonyms

• aeshnids
• darners
• hawkers

Related Terms

• Odonata
• Anisoptera
• dragonfly
• Aeshnoidea
• Gomphidae
• Corduliidae
• Libellulidae
• naiad
• compound eye

Usage Notes

The vernacular names 'darner' and 'hawker' are used interchangeably in different regions; 'darner' predominates in North America, 'hawker' in Europe and Australasia. Aeshnidae is distinguished from other anisopteran families by the dorsal contact of the eyes (versus separated eyes in Gomphidae and most Corduliidae) and the generally larger body size. Nymphs are distinguished by their cylindrical, streamlined bodies and lack of external gills at the abdomen tip.