Nasiaeschna
Selys in Förster, 1900
Cyrano Darner
Species Guides
1- Nasiaeschna pentacantha(Cyrano Darner)
Nasiaeschna is a of in the Aeshnidae, containing a single extant , Nasiaeschna pentacantha (Cyrano Darner). The genus is native to eastern North America. A fossil species, †Nasiaeschna miocenica, from the Late Miocene of France indicates the genus once had a broader distribution across the Northern Hemisphere.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nasiaeschna: //ˌnæsiˈɛsknə//
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Identification
The sole extant , Nasiaeschna pentacantha, is distinguished from other aeshnid by its exceptionally long, forward-projecting that gives the a pronounced nose-like profile. This distinctive facial structure is the source of both the species epithet "pentacantha" (five-spined, referring to facial spines) and the "Cyrano Darner."
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America (extant ). Historical distribution included Europe, evidenced by the fossil †Nasiaeschna miocenica from the Late Miocene of France.
Similar Taxa
- Other Aeshnidae generaNasiaeschna is distinguished by its unique ; other darners lack the elongated, projecting facial structure characteristic of this .
More Details
Fossil record
The discovery of †Nasiaeschna miocenica in France demonstrates that the persisted in Europe until the Late Miocene, representing a significant range contraction from its historical distribution.