Anax junius
Green darner
Common green darner
Description
The male has green eyes. Frons is green with black spot encircled by green, then an outer blue ring forming a "bull's eye" pattern. Thorax is green. Wings are clear or tinted in amber on older individuals, females more than males. Abdomen is colourful on the sides while being dark dorsally and ventrally. Males are blue and black where females often green and reddish brown.
Behaviour
Often seen feeding in large numbers over open areas.
Distribution
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This is one of the most common species in north American, where it migrates over great distances. It has managed to survive the passing over the Atlantic ocean at at least two occasions. In 1998 it was observed on the Isles of Scilly and in Cornwall, totalling 8 individuals, and in 2003 one individual was observed in Nantes, France.
Habitat
Reproduction takes place in permanent or temporary waters, lakes, ponds and slow-flowing streams with emergent vegetation. In migration it can be found in many habitats.