The Green Darner (Anax junius) is big, measuring over 4 inches. It’s also fast and known all over North America. You can spot it by its green thorax and blue stripes, but only on mature males. The females and young males have a reddish-brown abdomen.
What’s really cool is this type of dragonfly can migrate long distances. It goes between where it breeds and where it spends the winter.
This detailed guide will tell you all about the different species names and how to recognize the Green Darner. So, you’ll get a full look at how amazing this dragonfly really is in nature.
The Green Darner (Anax junius) is a well-known species of dragonfly in the family Aeshnidae. Here is a list of names associated with this species:
- Anax junius (Scientific Name)
- Green Darner (Common Name)
- Common Green Darner (Alternative Common Name)
- Anax junius junius (Subspecies)
- Anax junius borealis (Subspecies)
These names include the primary scientific name, common names, and recognized subspecies for the Green Darner dragonfly.
Introducing the Green Darner Dragonfly Species
The green darner dragonfly is a standout in the dragonfly world. Its scientific name is Anax junius. It’s part of the Aeshnidae family, known as “darner” dragonflies. This dragonfly is the biggest and most found in North America. You can see it from southern Canada to places like Honduras and the West Indies. It’s everywhere in the United States, with lots found in the east and the center.
Common Green Darner (Anax junius)
The common green darner is amazing, measuring from 2 1/4 to 4 3/4 inches. Males have a solid green thorax and a blue-striped abdomen. Females and young males have reddish-brown abdomens. They can fly really well, moving quickly and changing direction fast too.
Range and Habitat
This dragonfly can be found in many wet places, like lakes and marshes. They like waters that are full of plants and don’t have fish. Since they fly far, they can also be seen outside of these areas, traveling up to 1,900 miles.
In Washington state, the common green darner is the official state insect, named so in 1997. It shows how much it’s loved and seen there. Green darners have great eyes, letting them see tiny movements and many colors, even UV light.
Green darner dragonfly species Names
The green darner dragonfly is known as Anax junius. It’s the most common in its genus. Many call it the Common Green Darner or King Skinner. The name “junius” was from the English entomologist Dru Drury in 1773.
It was also named Anax spiniferus, Anax ocellatus, and Anax severus. But, these are old names. The green darner is known for its size, bright colors, and flying skills.
The Anax junius species is found in many places. This includes the United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and more. They are sometimes seen in places far from their usual home.
You can find adult green darners in many places. They live near water, in forests, grasslands, deserts, and beside the sea. Their young like to stay in shallow waters.
These dragonflies are quite big, up to 7-8 cm long. They go through many changes before they become adults. In some places, they mate in late July. But those that migrate mate in June and late fall.
The green darner is doing well, with a conservation status of Least Concern. It’s loved for its beauty and how well it flies.
Conclusion
The Green Darner, also called the Common Green Darner, is a special dragonfly in North America. It’s big, brightly colored, and known for traveling long distances. This guide has shown us how to tell this dragonfly apart from others.
People in Ohio love watching Green Darners in big groups. They also travel far, which has amazed scientists. Studies with radio transmitters have helped us learn a lot about their journeys.
Even if you’re not a nature expert, the Green Darner is interesting. It shows the cool things about dragonflies. With people working to save their homes and know more about where they go, dragonflies like the Green Darner have a good future.
