Anax junius

Description

This member of the largest family of dragonflies has a light green thorax and a long, thin abdomen. The abdomen of males is a bluish color while females are purplish-gray. They have large brown compound eyes in contact in the middle of the face and a black and blue target-like mark on upper part of head. The wings are yellowish and the base of the hindwing is broader than forewing. All dragonflies hold their wings outstretched when at rest. Nymphs are a greenish brown in color and go through a series of molts to reach adult size. They are aquatic and move through the water by jet propulsion: water is drawn in and expelled out of the rectum. Moving water through the rectum is also how they breathe as that is where the gills are located.

Habitat

Common around marshy ponds and swamps.

Diet

Nymphs and adults use mandibles to feed on other insects such as mosquitoes and midges. Nymphs are predatory so they will also eat small fish and aquatic worms.

Size

Average length is 2 ½ - 3 ¼ inches; wingspan is about 4 ½ inches.

Range

Found all over the United States and into Canada. Those further north in the United States and Canada may migrate south in winter and the offspring migrate back north in the spring.

Other Useful Information

Strong fliers capable of reaching speeds of 55 mph.

Similar Species

Eastern Blue Darner, Giant Darner, Amazon Darner, Comet Darner