Rhionaeschna mutata
(Hagen, 1861)
Spatterdock Darner
Rhionaeschna mutata, commonly known as the spatterdock darner, is a rare and ecologically restricted in the Aeshnidae. It is found in North America, with specific reproductive requirements that limit its distribution. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable as of 2017. Its references its association with spatterdock (Nuphar), a type of aquatic vegetation.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhionaeschna mutata: /ˌraɪoʊˈnɛsknə mjuːˈteɪtə/
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Images
Habitat
Reproductive consists of small, heavily vegetated, semi-permanent to ephemeral ponds that are fish-free, with wooded riparian edges and sphagnum moss. These specific conditions are critical for successful and larval development.
Distribution
North America; specifically recorded from Vermont in the northeastern United States and at the northwestern edge of its range.
Behavior
Transient; are ecologically restricted to specific breeding and do not appear to disperse widely.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Ol' Blue Eyes: A Blue-Eyed Darner | Bug Squad
- Bug Squad
- collecting Polythore mutata - Entomology Today
- How One Entomologist Brings a Passion for Science Back to Her Home Country
- An Assessment of the Geographic Distribution and Status of a Rare Dragonfly, Rhionaeschna mutata, at the Northwestern Edge of Its Range
- A review of the reproductive habitat preferences and conservation challenges of a rare, transient, and ecologically restricted darner dragonfly:Rhionaeschna mutata