Family:
Aeschnidae, Darners
Blue-eyed Darner
© Larry
Sansone
Description: The
Blue-eyed Darner is a member of the family Aeshnidae. Darners are among the
largest and fastest-flying North American dragonflies, 2 1/4-4 3/4" (57-120
mm) long. These brilliant blue, green, or brown insects have large, clear wings
spanning up to 5 7/8" (150 mm). Their hemispherical compound eyes meet on
top of the head. The female hovers above water and, using a well-developed
ovipositor, thrusts eggs one at a time through the surface film of ponds and
streams. Naiads, to 2 1/2" (65 mm) long, have a very flat lower lip, with
no grasping bristles on the side, and relatively short legs.