Anax amazili

(Burmeister, 1839)

Amazon Darner

Anax amazili, the Amazon Darner, is a large tropical in the Aeshnidae. It ranges from the southern United States through Central and South America to Argentina. are associated with open ponds and marshes, including temporary wetlands. The reaches 70–74 mm in body length with distinctive green facial markings and a brown with blue to green basal spots.

Anax amazili by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Anax amazili by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Anax amazili by Eric Haley. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anax amazili: //ˈænæks əˈmæzɪlaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from similar darners by the combination of green with a single dark triangle on the , green , and brown with blue to green basal spots creating a ringed appearance. The first two abdominal segments match the green coloration of the thorax, unlike the remainder of the abdomen. Size (70–74 mm body length, 48–52 mm hindwing) is consistent with other large Anax but specific color pattern differs.

Images

Habitat

Open ponds and marshes, including temporary wetlands. Associated with standing freshwater in tropical and subtropical regions.

Distribution

Widespread in the Americas from the southern United States southward through Central America, the Caribbean, and South America to Argentina. In Brazil, recorded from northeast, southeast, and southern regions (Rio Grande do Sul). Present throughout much of South America including French Guiana.

Similar Taxa

  • Anax juniusCommon Green Darner; similar large size and general body plan, but differs in facial pattern and abdominal coloration
  • Anax concolorOccurs sympatrically in Brazil; distinguished by color pattern differences
  • Anax longipesAnother Brazilian Anax ; differs in morphological details and preferences

More Details

First southern Brazil record

First record from Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil extended the known distribution approximately 1000 km southward from previous records in northeast and southeast Brazil

Sources and further reading