Darner
Guides
Aeshna
Hawkers, Mosaic Darners
Aeshna is a genus of large dragonflies in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as hawkers in the Old World and mosaic darners in North America. The genus name was coined by Danish entomologist Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775, possibly from a printer's error in spelling the Greek 'Aechma' (spear). Species in this genus are characterized by their relatively large size, brown thoraces and abdomens with distinctive blue, yellow, or green markings. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many Neotropical and other species reclassified into separate genera such as Rhionaeschna, Afroaeschna, and others based on phylogenetic studies.
Aeshna canadensis
Canada Darner
Aeshna canadensis, the Canada darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. First described by Edmund Murton Walker in 1908, it is common throughout southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults are active from June to October. The species has been documented undertaking north-south migratory movements within its range, representing the first conclusive evidence of migration in the genus Aeshna in North America.
Aeshna constricta
Lance-tipped Darner
Aeshna constricta, commonly known as the Lance-tipped Darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across North America and holds a conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population. The species is one of approximately 30 species in the diverse genus Aeshna, which are among the largest and most powerful fliers in the dragonfly order.
Aeshna interrupta
Variable Darner
Aeshna interrupta, commonly known as the Variable Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae native to North America. Its range extends from Alaska and the Northwest Territories through Newfoundland, south to New Hampshire and Michigan in the eastern United States, and to the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona, and California in the west. The species is named for the distinctive broken stripes on the sides of the thorax present in many male specimens. It occupies diverse habitats including northern and mountain peatlands, cattail marshes, and other wetland environments.
Aeshna palmata
Paddle-tailed Darner
Aeshna palmata, commonly known as the Paddle-tailed Darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is widely distributed across western Canada and the western United States. The species is named for its distinctive paddle-shaped cerci (appendages at the tip of the abdomen). It inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams, typically with dense vegetation along the shorelines. The species was first scientifically described by Hermann Hagen in 1856.
Aeshna persephone
Persephone's Darner
Aeshna persephone, known as Persephone's Darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It inhabits river systems in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species was described by Donnelly in 1961 and is named after Persephone, the Greek goddess associated with the underworld.
Aeshna sitchensis
zigzag darner
Aeshna sitchensis, commonly known as the zigzag darner, is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is found in North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The IUCN status was last reviewed in 2017.
Aeshna umbrosa
Shadow Darner
Aeshna umbrosa, commonly known as the Shadow Darner, is a large dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring throughout almost all of Canada and most of the United States. The species is typically associated with shaded habitats, including forested wetlands and woodland streams. Adult Shadow Darners are powerful fliers and active predators.
Aeshna verticalis
Green-striped Darner
Aeshna verticalis, the green-striped darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is distinguished from similar darners by its green lateral thoracic stripes. The species is found in northeastern North America and holds an IUCN conservation status of Least Concern with a stable population.
Aeshnidae
darners, hawkers, aeshnids
Aeshnidae is a family of large dragonflies known as darners in North America and hawkers elsewhere. The family includes some of the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in the order Odonata, with over 450 species in more than 50 genera distributed nearly worldwide. Members are characterized by their powerful flight, elongated abdomens, and large compound eyes that meet at the top of the head. The family name derives from the Greek 'Aechma' meaning 'spear', though the spelling resulted from a printer's error.
Anax junius
Common Green Darner, Green Darner
Anax junius, the common green darner, is among the most abundant and widespread dragonflies in North America, ranging from Canada to Panama and with populations in the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Asia. This large aeshnid is renowned for its extensive seasonal migrations, with individuals traveling up to 2,800 km between northern breeding grounds and southern overwintering areas. The species exhibits complex population dynamics, with both migratory and resident cohorts coexisting at many locations. Adults are powerful aerial predators, while aquatic nymphs are similarly voracious, making this species a significant component of both terrestrial and aquatic food webs.
Anax longipes
Comet Darner
Anax longipes, commonly known as the Comet Darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is a common North American species with a distinctive appearance and migratory behavior. Adults are large, powerful fliers that prey on other insects in flight. The species is part of the Migratory Dragonfly Partnership monitoring program due to its seasonal movements.
Anax walsinghami
giant darner, giant green darner
Anax walsinghami is the largest dragonfly species in North America, with a wingspan reaching up to 120 mm and body length of 89–117 mm. Commonly known as the giant darner or giant green darner, this species belongs to the family Aeshnidae and is distributed across Central America and North America. Despite its impressive size, it is exceeded by the closely related giant Hawaiian darner (A. strenuus). The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern with a stable population.
Basiaeschna janata
Springtime Darner
Basiaeschna janata, the Springtime Darner, is a small, bluish dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is the sole member of the monotypic genus Basiaeschna. This species is notable for its early seasonal flight period, appearing in spring when most other darner species have not yet emerged. It is widely distributed across North America.
Boyeria grafiana
Ocellated Darner
Boyeria grafiana, the ocellated darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is found in North America. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population.
Coryphaeschna ingens
Regal Darner
Coryphaeschna ingens, commonly known as the regal darner, is a species of large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs across the Caribbean and North America, with a stable population and no immediate conservation concerns. The species is recognized by its substantial size and distinctive coloration typical of the genus Coryphaeschna.
Coryphaeschna viriditas
Mangrove Darner
Coryphaeschna viriditas, commonly known as the mangrove darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It inhabits coastal and wetland environments across the Americas, with a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified.
Gomphaeschna antilope
Taper-tailed Darner
Gomphaeschna antilope, commonly known as the Taper-tailed Darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is native to North America. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival. The species was last assessed in 2017.
Gomphaeschna furcillata
Harlequin Darner
Gomphaeschna furcillata, commonly known as the Harlequin Darner, is a small dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It belongs to the genus Gomphaeschna, commonly called 'pygmy darners' due to their relatively small size compared to other darners. The species is found across North America in Canada and the continental United States. It holds a 'least concern' conservation status with a stable population.
Gynacantha mexicana
bar-sided darner
Gynacantha mexicana, commonly known as the bar-sided darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across Central America, North America, and South America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern with a stable population, with the most recent review conducted in 2017.
Nasiaeschna pentacantha
Cyrano Darner
Nasiaeschna pentacantha, commonly known as the Cyrano Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distinguished by an exceptionally long, upward-curving frons that gives the head a distinctive profile. The species occurs in eastern North America and is associated with forested streams and rivers. Adults are most active in late summer.
Oplonaeschna armata
Riffle Darner
Oplonaeschna armata, commonly known as the riffle darner, is a dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species has been assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population and no immediate threats identified as of 2017.
Remartinia secreta
Secretive Darner
Remartinia secreta is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae, commonly known as the Secretive Darner. The species was described by Philip Powell Calvert in 1952. It belongs to a small genus of Neotropical darners with limited documentation in scientific literature. Records indicate presence in South America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Rhionaeschna californica
California Darner
Rhionaeschna californica, the California darner, is a medium-sized dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. Adults are distinguished by bright blue diagonal spots on the abdomen and exhibit sexual dimorphism in coloration and eye color. The species occupies aquatic habitats across western North America and Central America, with larvae requiring several years of aquatic development before nocturnal emergence as adults.
Rhionaeschna dugesi
Arroyo Darner
Rhionaeschna dugesi, commonly known as the arroyo darner, is a species of darner dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species has been assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population and no immediate threats to its survival; this status was reviewed in 2017.
Rhionaeschna multicolor
Blue-eyed Darner
Rhionaeschna multicolor, commonly known as the Blue-eyed Darner, is a large dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. The species is distinguished by its striking blue eyes and multicolored thoracic patterning. It occurs across much of western North America and extends south into Middle America. Adults are strong fliers often observed patrolling over water bodies.
Rhionaeschna mutata
Spatterdock Darner
Rhionaeschna mutata, commonly known as the spatterdock darner, is a rare and ecologically restricted dragonfly species in the family Aeshnidae. It is found in North America, with specific reproductive habitat requirements that limit its distribution. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population as of 2017. Its common name references its association with spatterdock (Nuphar), a type of aquatic vegetation.
Rhionaeschna psilus
Turquoise-tipped Darner
Rhionaeschna psilus, commonly known as the turquoise-tipped darner, is a species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. It is distributed across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. The species holds a least concern conservation status due to its stable population and absence of immediate threats.
Triacanthagyna septima
pale green darner, Pale-green Darner
Triacanthagyna septima, commonly known as the pale green darner, is a relatively small aeshnid dragonfly found across the Americas from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Adults measure 59–66 mm in length with a wingspan of 68–86 mm. The species exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism, with females possessing three long, slender cerci that may break off in mature individuals, causing them to resemble males.