Anax longipes

Hagen, 1861

Comet Darner

Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a in the Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory . are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in . The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.

Anax longipes concolor by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Anax longipes by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Comet darner (28673710918) by Melissa McMasters from Memphis, TN, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anax longipes: /ˈænæks ˈlɔŋɪpiːz/

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

Identification

Large with a green and blue in males; females may have greenish or brownish coloration. meet at the top of the . Distinguished from other Anax by specific thoracic patterning and abdominal coloration.

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Habitat

Associated with wetlands, ponds, and lakes where nymphs develop. forage over open areas including fields and meadows.

Distribution

North America; recorded from Vermont and throughout eastern and central United States. Global distribution present but primarily Nearctic.

Seasonality

Active during warmer months; migratory with northward movement in spring and southward return in fall.

Diet

are aerial capturing flying insects including mosquitoes and other small insects. Nymphs are aquatic predators of other insects.

Life Cycle

: , nymph (aquatic), . Nymphs are aquatic before emerging as winged adults.

Behavior

Migratory traveling north in spring and returning to southern in fall. are strong, agile fliers that capture prey in mid-air using spiny legs.

Ecological Role

Important in wetland ; nymphs control aquatic insect , reduce flying insect numbers including mosquitoes. Serves as prey for birds, fish, and frogs.

Human Relevance

Subject of citizen science monitoring through the Migratory Partnership. Valued for mosquito control and as indicator of wetland health.

Similar Taxa

  • Anax juniusCommon Green Darner; also migratory and large but differs in thoracic striping and abdominal coloration
  • Other AeshnidaeLarge that meet dorsally and powerful shared; distinguished by specific color patterns and body proportions

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Sources and further reading