Common Green Darner

Anax junius

The Common Green Darner is a large dragonfly that can be seen flying over ponds. They are fast and colorful!

Habitat: Ponds and wetlands

Appearance

The Common Green Darner is a large dragonfly with a bright green thorax and a long, stout abdomen that is typically blue in males and greenish-brown in females. Its clear wings have a distinctive dark spot near the tip of each wing, making it easily recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderOdonataFamilyAeshnidaeGenusAnax

Common Green Darner

Interesting facts

Dragonflies existed on Earth before dinosaurs roamed.

Each of their four wings can move in a different direction!

Their babies live underwater for up to two years!

They catch and eat other insects in mid-air with their legs.

Special abilities

Common Green Darner can fly forward, backward, hover, and even upside down because of its independently moving wings, that helps them hunt prey.

Common Green Darner has huge compound eyes that cover most of its head, giving it nearly 360-degree vision, which helps them spot tiny insects.

Common Green Darner can migrate hundreds of kilometers south for winter because of their strong flight muscles, that helps them find warm climates.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 80-110 mm
Size: 68-80 mm
Lifespan: 50-60 days
Flight Speed: 58 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

They are aerial insect hunters, snatching other bugs right out of the sky!

Age differences: Nymphs live underwater and eat aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small fish.

Primary Foods

Mosquitoes
Flies
Moths
Butterflies
Beetles
Midges

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

helps control mosquito populations

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

catches them in mid-air

eaten by

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

nymphs are prey for this fish

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

adults are sometimes caught by birds

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.